Clinging to Dust

Been walking this route as I shout in my daily bouts, not gonna lie it ain’t very scenic.

Nightmares done lived ‘em, tragedies done seen it.

Lived through things that would live y’all squeamish.

Can’t seem to find any healthy way to meditate as I grasp at any way to alleviate.

Problems from this, I ain’t tryna look at ‘em even though I can’t get shook of ‘em.

All the time and peace that’s been took by ‘em, seems like I’m hooked by ‘em, no Bass Pro or Cabellas.

Just trying to front a smile in life anywhere I go where everyone thinks I’m such a put-together fella.

So I try to fill myself with false food, nothing hardy as I try to cope with the ways of the world from clubs to the social medias, to the party.

Got my granny sayin oh lawdy.

Or maybe I can get out of this basement by putting together a new fashion statement?

Hit up a new thrift swift to get a budget outfit.

Thinking this is the way to face my fights as I still get outhit.

Drinking from a cup of rust and dust.

Leaving out of peace no matter how close we get, even if it seems just within our cusp.

Seems like we can’t escape its clutch but refuse to admit for this life of self-service, false idols, and fake appearances of joy is what truly leads us away from a true healing touch.

We want to get out of this hole but  begroan being called to walk into the unknown.

We want to find home but refuse to leave away from this familiar yet flattening zone.

We wish for peace and union but our too comfortable in our social media pushed delusion.

We drink from this empty cup, round after round as our soul is dry and we continue to drown.

Living and breathing with the depth of our lungs in lies.

Day by day this is the life we continue to despise.

After clinching to these coping conjunctions we sit and to be honest aren’t entirely that surprised.

Continuing to feel the hurt as we run to look to quench our soul’s thirst in various spurts.

Feeling deep down this is not what we were created to be about, however….

We inherited the True Drink gifted from on high.

We often take it in but through our actions spit it out.

As step by step and slip by slip we slowly begin to understand the ascetic’s tips.

Realizing we threw all we truly wanted and needed away.

To waste our days in a mindless and self-destructive maze.

Wanting to go back to what we were given from so long ago.

We fear the rejection of the Father if we tried to return.

We would just get wrath if at His doorstep we showed.

We must realize these are nothing but real lies.

Sent to distract our soul and eyes to make us slip back into our own despise.

To trick us into our own demise.

The truth is that Our Father waits with joy on our return and wishes not reprise.

He pokes at us to come back and looks past our sin with love no matter our mistake’s size.

As we finally pray out in desperation for some form of spiritual hydration.

Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner.

Something eternally-anointed in our soul tells us to be back to the table for dinner.

Heads sunk down in shame not sure how we can overcome all that we have done that seems insane.

We swallow our pride to murmur apologetic prayers of the apostates and return to say Holy Names.

As the Holy Mother opens the door to bring us close.

Having our tears wiped by the veil of the Holy Theotokos.

Looking to God asking how to heal after taking so many blows and dropping so low?

He does not spurn us or burn us but brings us closer and whispers, “my child I know this lifestyle can seem comfortable as it is painful, but trust me…just let it go…that’s step one to receive something much great which I have to bestow.”

Encircled and Engulfed

Having lost so many to tragedies it seems like death is always grabbing me.

Loss after loss as I sit tossed screaming out to Christ on the Cross.

Feeling surrounded and hounded by the dogs of death, approaching my soul for they have found it.

Relentless and repentless all these things that afflict me try to drag me where the pit is.

Constantly reminding and reiterating the idea that the time approaches for my soul’s obliterating.

That this feeling of loss and pain is forever and accepting eternal-sorrow is something I must learn though.

Despair fogging up all the air and telling us to cope with this, through earthly cares.

Trying to flee from this by any way but it seems so strong, and just won’t sway.

Told to stay low and to this surrender, to give up and all promises made to us before, to never remember.

All of this seems so real of how we feel, as if always slipping on a banna peel.

Tirade after tirade as this seems to be my grade, feeling lost from where all my hope be laid.

Running in circles like a maniac asking where my prayers be at as others tell me I need to relax.

Within all of this there is something that still fights off the abyss with a hit that can’t miss.

This is not a force that comes from outside but is something marked within my soul and heart, to paint a new picture of life’s art.

This defender is no pretender, it has strength beyond measure and will never surrender.

This force has marked our soul due to Baptism’s toll and gives us strength to take so many punches within life’s roll.

Engulffing our interior to enflame and guard against any attack exterior as we will not fall, for it has strength that is superior.

Bashing and thrashing against all sent our way, for all things sent to it are destined to be slayed.

As this may not be easy or breezy, this mark gives us the ability to persevere through this with the first step of humility.

While it may rain and try to strain, we know that no matter how bad, it will always just be temporary pain.

The final place is that of paradise we are called to prosper, not just suffice.

Living Among the Dead

In the past, thinking about so many things we used to cope, would give us false hope.

Taking our offerings to the temple of the idol of the Cash Cow.

As we now see the Truth, we wish to leave such mentalities in the past now.

Walking in the world running our routine, realizing everything wasn’t that pristine.

Finding that which we thought meant the world and set as a goal, is actually empty and dull.

A life living for things that deteriorate has taken its toll.

The world around us is filled with mindstates so gray, watered-down focused on filling themselves with happiness that will never stay.

That which so many think is oh so fun, ends up not fulfilling anything and leaving so many feeling numb.

Confused as we try to distance ourselves from this show and find somewhere to go.

Filled with nothing that actually fulfills or gives true life or meaning.

Only that to numb and distract us while our souls crave for a deepening.

Interaction by interaction we try to find a way of meaning, not inaction.

Something realer and higher than this with some real attraction.

Tired of living for nothing, wanting to be closer to that which challenges us for something.

Worn and torn out, eager to find any hint of what we are actually about.

Wanting actual freedom, from all this mundane living, we want out.

Hearing in our heart a voice calling us to explore a new arc.

To find a brighter light and find away from all the dark.

Needing to accept we don’t need to understand it all that this is something that will not ignore or reject.

This voice leads us to something so better than money or fame, for with it we will never be the same.

Belligerents of the Battered

Those who have been hit over their time, find it hard to stand straight with the pain going down their spine.

Pushed to live and get along all the time, however this can be hard when nothing seems fine.

Not wanting to make a scene though, for they don’t want to be known as one who whines.

Confused and bruised as one walks in this journey, on edge looking for warnings to detect.

Not sure who is to blame, as things of this context can be so complex, as if one is in a frustration contest.

In all this many may not even know which way for their anger to direct.

The truth is that these things are never that simple.

One must accept they shouldn’t beat themselves up or give into the abysmal.

For it is not in our interests to go on self-tirades and escapades for, with this the situation will never get raised.

The risk of this can be getting lost and forgetting who we are.

The risk of this drifting from our true identity as we float out oh so far.

The risk of this being seen as we stand on self-trial in denial with all of the scars.

The truth is in all of this our dignity cannot be lessened or redefined.

The truth is in all of this God loves and is with us no matter what, for unfathomable love is for what we were designed.

The truth is in all of this no matter how bent or however long this stint, there is nothing that God cannot realign.

Collapse of Control

Life has been so crazy causing me to see hazy all the wildness, it doesn’t phase me.

So being left alone… that’s something I’d appreciate greatly.

Now to deal with this rather than heal from this, I’d rather make all my calls or I feel like a misfit.

I should be the one that says what and when and how things happened on my day to day.

Any other idea, should just go away, is all I shout and say.

For if I control all things within my sphere…of hurt and burnt, I will surely be clear.

When the call is not on me, how could I ever be free?

For all things in life shall be done, only by my own decree!

However, the True King often interrupts the false feast with a serving of humble pie.

Showing us even when we shout oh so large… that truly only He is in charge.

For our grand plans often sizzle out within God’s pan.

The only times where I find peace at all is when I am taught to be humble.

Through trial and error, I slowly but surely find out that allowing God to control will not cause me terror.

For through His plan is actually where we can from our fears and anxieties be spared.

This actualization does not come down in one giant bolt.

It takes place in tiny steps uphill, not in one giant gulp as our control is collapsed

Now when trusting in God’s control, we finally found a place to relax.

Death Can’t Crown

Seeing passing after passing, leaving us grieving with distraught, as we try to find a way to cope as this is a healing that can’t be bought.

Feeling surrounded and hounded as time goes on the losses grow and a mountain of sorrow has mounted.

In this we remain entrenched as caught on a barbed-wire fence, wanting to get out but can’t find a start to that sequence.

Whispered false words to trick us into staying here and giving more power to fear.

Telling us that this is all there is to know and there is nowhere else to possibly go.

Saying it is what controls all and anything else before its feet shall fall.

This domain is where we are called to remain in pain while feeling beyond drained.

That this is where we are to somehow find a way to deal and give up the idea to fully heal.

Fooling ourselves that this is somehow a place to be and find peace.

The lies come from all directions at every intersection as we scream out for someone to make an interjection.

Slowly we realize the real lies that this is suffering is real and hurts.

However, it is temporary and is not where we are called, even if we feel stalled.

For the King of Kings has defeated this long ago and calls all out of this pain and to not fall for this trick show.

For how can that which has lost have claim over our name?

For how can that which was defeated order us to belong?

For how can that which is not forever, determine where we sign our letter?

The Author of Life is He who orders all and everything will answer to His call.

The Author of Life has the care of all, living and reposed in His control and knows which route to go.

The Author of Life sees and is with us in all our strife and cuts us free from these illusions, needing no knife.

He calls us each to embrace the Truth of something much better that will last forever.

Granting us to follow in His path as shown in His ministry and examples of how death can try to deceive, but cannot trample.

We are called into the Kingdom for which we were created.

We are called to embrace the True Light and overcome the hurdle, for we have hope in life-eternal.

We must remember for that and union with God is why we are made, not to be trapped and defined by such harsh escapades.

We are called to trust in the hope of God at any encounter of these temptations at the moment of detection.

We are called to trust in Christ and remember the only thing that can truly define and crown us in His Holy Resurrection.

To Those in the Tomb

Asking questions to myself as I sit perplexed asking God for a reset from all these tragedies I detest, darkness? I breathes it.

I walk in this memory lane, feeling so much pain and drained, stuck in this pit unable to get into a new plane.

Asking where these people have been? When will this end? How can I ever feel peace again?

Missing the point and these people so much, I slip and get crushed by dread, as if hit on a winter’s eve by a sled.

I bobble and hobble from place to place, trying to find a new space, from that which I face.

For this darkness surrounds and hounds in so many towns, as it circles and attempts to consume all in its path down.

Am I to accept this darkness and dance along to the beat, from the drum that is numb?

Normalizing that which is dreary and leary, so much of it approaches closer and closer and nears me to spear me.

Is this all that is? Is this what life is to be? A in and out of pain and strain, is that our recipe?

A knock harkens loud, a harold pleads for our attention.

The time is now for He, who the Forerunner has mentioned.

The door to this room is kicked out and shattered to pieces.

Called to a new home is our mind, someone has destroyed this place’s leases.

This darkness is invaded, defeated, and retreated in our very presence.

The Uncreated Light has now taken over and calls on us to speak of despair, only in a tense of past, as He arrives with trumpets of angelic blasts.

This opens our eyes to disavow that which used to control us, that which we truly despise.

For death used to surround us and we thought this dark place and suffering was just our existence.

Now we see that this is a lie of logismoi sent as a decoy to attack us, and spiritually destroy.

But taken down it has been, through Heaven’s gates our rescuing has been deployed, so we may leave this and meet joy.

Those we lost, that hurt so much at such great cost, are not gone as we thought.

For in the Paschal Processions we see that there is someone with great ability, in charge of this lot.

Death as we thought is just not what it may seem, the truth is much more complicated and oh so serene.

For through means we just simply can’t understand or pretend to actually comprehend, this place is not the final destination.

The King of Kings has declared life to those in the tomb to take them on to new place, without reservation.

In the light of this mystery of taking our sorrow and bringing forth new light, to free those in the tomb.

We are called to copy the process and pick up our own Cross to self-sacrifice and be Christ, to all who enter the room.

Synaxis of Solace

I travel place to place as it seems inner-peace, none of us can find a trace.

We throw our marker down as we draw back to repack and reevaluate as we try to restack.

Walking and chalking on this board of life, putting up barbed wire so much higher, to medicate in this strife.

Not allowing others to know I’m in this harsh zone, is how I set my tone as so many us serve a crownless-throne.

Legions of us are stuck in a swamp wanting to yell and scream but yet we don’t even stomp.

As we try to eat this plate that leads us irate, as we continue to chomp.

Any move to get away from this we continue to hesitate, as we still isolate.

Then this is disrupted as we hear bells ringing and singing for all to assemble, no matter what our own situation may resemble.

We are called to gather even though all of us are tattered, as the doors open inviting all to look at the icon screen.

As the incense helps burn away so much nonsense, having us take deeper talks within our own conscience.

Embracing one another as sisters and brothers, realizing we all have our own Crosses and should not be viewed as “other”.

Realizing we are not alone in this confusion of delusion, as we come together to see where the Truth’s been.

Singing and chanting, with so many great stories we hear the recanting.

Lifting one another up even when it can be tough, as these scenes fill us with joy and our souls are about to erupt.

Finding this as our place of peace, to be given protection against any beast.

This community is where we are called to embrace each other and not to be appalled.

Gathering with others to overcome and find peace within all that life has been dealing.

Together, bowing to the True King, as we are called to embrace the Divine Physician’s healing.

Something deep within our hearts has been awoken from the Holy Spirit’s sealing.

Finding a new calm, as we embrace He who rose,... after being embalmed.

Praying and saying a life within this gathering is where we belong to make us strong.

Going from all our rants to embracing the words in which we chant.

Humbling ourselves to receive that which only God can grant.

Wanting something like this for so long, as we see this is where we truly belong.

Temporary Template

Not everyday is full of sunshine, in an ice cream truck line.

Some days get a little stressful that makes it hard for us to sit back and recline.

Making us angry, angsty, aggressive, as we pout and doubt.

However, we know in the big picture, this is not what life is all about.

This is not an absolute but is used to mind-polute, and despair recruit.

In actuality this is not true at all, for the joy we seek is too strong, coming from a higher call.

Even when life isn’t always perfect and majestic, we keep our hope during our trials, to have faith is to have the opposition test it.

When life bends we should remember, that doesn’t mean we break.

In our tough times we need to cling to the Truth, and denounce the fake.

In the darkness of Hades, each one of us is chosen by God to never forsake.

So many things in this life we as humans, just can’t understand.

So many things will be thrown at us, that will make our stress expand.

So many things will test us and press us, through the grace of God though….they won’t best us.

For when we feel down and tempted to cope with falling back to vice, let us remember we are untied, to all those Baptized in Christ.

Day by day we are protected, not rejected, and guided to get through the dramatic and unexpected.

For we were chosen, blessed, and divinely formed to be embraced and never spat at with scorn.

Many feel down and stretch out a frown, for sometimes in tragedy and terror we tread and drown.

Crashing out in a no fly zone in life’s cyclone, as the clouds collide and we don’t know where the light’s gone.

Slowly the light beams through to enlighten all we do, that within the storm is where we are reminded most, that we are loved and blessed, and marked as reborn.

Slow and steady in facing all of this step by step with discipline.

Intrusive thoughts? We sing with the Psalms and Akathists to be dissin them.

In these we find what is actually true and that our struggle is not taken on alone, that we have countless intercessors, in the Heavenly Zone.

To do this we must trust the process and humble ourselves in prayer.

This will give us the strength to get through anything we are called to bear.

Remembering our vows of Baptism and Chrism calls us to rest in Christ for He is here to stay.

Our bad days can’t take over and will in time fade away but our soul,... they cannot slay.

Sobering Silence

Racking up false recharging in all the sound of a redone riot, inviting us in to try it.

This is not our home where we stay, not even a three-star, but people sell it as a VIP in the Hyatt.

Finding nothing to be said in the screeching as we all wander around looking for true preaching.

Trying to fill a deep void with so much sound to attempt to dilute Truth.

Our minds spiral into an empty ocean that just seems to pollute.

Add this with all else on our plate and an upset stomach, is what this constitutes.

Taking a step back from these ringing tracks, wanting to find a way to pick up the slack.

Taking up a space away from the noise to find new poise, we find a new reliance on silence.

Able to hear True instructions much more clear, as readjusting is happening, as we change how we steer.

In this silence, we see the True value of all and can actually weigh out decisions.

In this silence, we see the unimportance of all the yelling where we used to be dwelling.

In this silence, we see the true path in which we are called to walk.

In this silence, we see the true beauty of all we are gifted in life.

In this silence, we see the fruits of our struggle and the grace granted to us during our strife.

In this silence, we see how much we don’t actually know.

In this silence, we see how much we must depend on Him to take us where we must go.

In this silence, we see the True Light to give us an eternal-mark for battle, even more than a knight.

In this silence, we see the dignity given to all, as all are called to be sanctified through God’s might.

In this silence, we see all we used to stress and press about will come to crumble.

In this silence, we see that through a simple Jesus Prayer, it is us who God will continually humble.

In this silence, we see that this process will not obliterate us but mystically liberate us.

In this silence, we see He wants to be closer to us than we can possibly understand.

In this silence, we see He is worth so much more than our past cares of all the brands, stands,and bands.

In this silence, we see He is the only thing that can give us peace and take us to the True Feast.

In this silence, we see the true gift of ourselves and how we can’t even calculate our own worth.

In this silence, we see that which we thought gave us meaning, just led to anguish and hurt.

In this silence, we see all the past images and lies of ourselves and others where oh so wrong.

In this silence, we see that within this oasis of prayer, is for what we truly longed.

In this silence, we see the breaking down of all the sin and rust of the toxic tin that our lives used to be.

In this silence, we see the process we are invited into to embrace that which sets us free.

Trampled Death By Death

Sitting in the hold station in Hades is where we find ourselves, as deeper into despondency we seem to have delved.

Sifting through all that is and was, seeing no flowers of celebration or even a bee’s buzz.

Stuck in the same place no matter what we try, we seem to end up with the same face.

Promised a king to release us and free us to defeat this pit.

Hoping for victory through bombardment and worldly might, but still haven’t realized it.

For we think of wins and liberation in senses of the materialist world standards rather than Heaven’s banners.

For Christ came as King but was knocked down leaving us at a loss, as He was then put up on a Cross.

This was to join us in our own suffering for which we deal.

Miraculously through this process is how we truly heal.

Down He went to meet us where we are in our broken encampment.

Down the doors of this dungeon are knocked, bright lights blaze through as He tramples death’s encampment.

Down our chains are thrown and cast out raising us up all who have been dust and bones.

Now He opens the door to Salvation through His victory after this iconic confrontation.

He turns to us and extends His hand inviting us into this excursion.

Entering into our own struggles through these pains and predicaments.

Comes fulfillment of promises of ancient prophecies foretold.

Bringing about the True Kingdom and treasure, worth so much more than gold.

For all the doubt, despondency, and darkness are now pummeled and thrown about.

Being offered new freedom to walk a new route.

Liberating us from so much fear and doubt.

Seeing now that in this process and hardship we receive and understand spiritual truths.

Being blessed and guided by God and never left out to wither.

Showing that His love and care of us as He was never bitter.

Opening doors to go back to rebuild broken bonds to be even stronger.

Thinking that death could conquer and rule?...We have never been wronger.

Being granted life in our tombs to walk out and breath air to escape from distraught and despair.

Once laying in broken graves, now liberated by the Cross as we hear the trumpets of heavenly snares.

Seeing death does not triumph and through this process, we are offered an even closer union to the Trinity offered our own Cross to focus.

Called to also sacrifice and die of self for others, embracing our own Theosis.

Once thinking suffering and hurt would defeat us and leave us defeated so bluntly, that thanks to Christ this process now is flipped and leads to sanctity.

In Our Midst

Astonished that our sins would not increase our distance from Him, but due to the radical ramifications of the changing of the Jordan ripples, He comes even more like us.

He looks us in our eyes without despise as through an Incarnation to break down lies of self-determination, as a way to salvation.

Through Him alone is our route home and in this route we self-empty and serve and from our past actions, we swerve.

He has taken on our likeness to suffer as one of us, for all of us.

Through this path we are invited into something so great and deep, away from all the plastic and cheap.

With us He stands, as we suffer and struggle, never leading our side through all the ocean’s tide.

Opening our eyes to our own dignity and seeing our value, is worth more than we thought, by so much exponentially.

Called to be sanctified and sealed with His mark for eternity and never to be the same.

To be united with Him in honest relationship, much more than just muttering a name.

We stress and fret thinking something like this is that which we can’t get, however He has already forgiven our debt.

For us He does so much more than can ever be spoken or counted.

His saving grace?  He calls us to constantly be around it.

Calling us out of our own tombs to not to be ashamed and answering to His name.

When we walk toward Him we will be eternally changed and never be the same.

Christened by living water, washing us to no longer cower and hide.

For no matter where we go and deal with, He is always with us by our side.

Where is Your Throne?

Years and years you berated me and tiraded me.

Keeping me trapped, even gated me.

Fenced in and pinned, as trying to find a way out, I didn’t know where to begin.

Thinking I was under your control and that you would find me wherever I go.

That I could never escape or get out for this suffering you push.

It was the only thing I knew to be about.

That losing so many made us confused of what life was and that you, death were the one that ruled.

As time went on I was shown this is far from where I belong.

The Lord long ago defeated and depleted you, saving us all from our strife.

Harrowing Hades, and calling the dead to rise from demise, granting everlasting-life.

For He reigns! He reigns! He reigns! Robed in majesty as He rules over every city.

He who created us is the one in charge, not some tempter that remains at large.

We submit and bow before His Cross to be among the living after dealing with great loss.

For in your temptations of taking and shaking, our sanctification is what the Lord was making.

Consoling us through all the pain of those we lost so soon thinking our lives were to be ruled by doom and gloom.

Raising us up to remember to Paschal Proclamations that you death, could not rule or ever win this duel.

For in Jesus Christ we now fully see with sacramental degrees, I-C, X-C, who we are called to truly be.

As King of Kings He has conquered all, bringing about a new day where we are called to stay, N-I, K-A, as we continue to live by this in what we do and say.

We may not understand our sorrows and tribulations as we must trust that God is still ruling and is with us in, all situations.

Offering up to Him even when the situation is dim and our courage is slim.

Trusting in He who came to take on death and sin, to call all back to be risen again.

There is no time for despair or dejection, as I must focus on prayers for those passed ,for their coming resurrection.

Death, you are but another test, so many challenges but in True Life I am called to rest.

You are temporary and have no authority over me, no more thinking I answer to you, how do I know this? I got quotes from Resurrection Matins as my proof.

I turn no longer to you, as I see those on the Iconasatas are still alive to back me up to face this.

Got intercessors I can’t count to help me and pounce on you as I pray my prayer to make a denounce on you, my scornings and mournings? That’s how I got through.

There is only one throne alone, and He who sits on it calls us home.

Still ever-present with us in all our paths, as He guides and saves us from you and your wrath.

From the old age to the suicides to the substances, in all this He was ready to ride and provide subsistence for my assistance, even when I was trying to create distance.

My fallen ones? When I think I got a grin, trusting I can see them again, step one is to talk with Christ, and let Him in.

Death, your throne is but a temptation for me to fall into despair and become despondent.

I turn to the Cross and fall before Christ, my first respondent.

Igniting the fire in my soul to embrace the transformation of healing of all that’s been dealing, only in front of Him, shall I be kneeling.

Christ conquered you by you, to those in the tomb He calls out with a boom.

Granting life to all crashing down your fort’s walls, as you try to trick us for our soul to stall and hope to fall.

For who does Christ call out to embrace eternal-life? Us all.

Ever Present

In spite of all that life may have us dealt, all the numbing that may be felt, the fact is no one does this by themself.

For the King of Kings did not cast us out for doomin and gloomin, however came down even closer for He wants union.

His love and presence is larger than anything continental, why do you thank He gifted us the sacramentals?

Even when we flee from Him and His offer, He does not flinch or back away from us, even an inch.

Staying right there calm and collective, always knowing us, even more than ourselves, no need for a detective.

Deeper and deeper into union He calls us, but we must respond.

He does not force this on us but wants a love of free will and one that conquers all obstacles of every hill.

For He is there with us in all His glory and majesty.

For He is there with us in all of our great moments, and also there in all of our tragedies.

Never one for only fair weather, but even flips our mishaps and mistakes to make us better.

When we return after rejecting and disrespecting, He embraces us so greatly, without any trace of anger to be detecting.

Welcomed back into our true place of belonging, for we were missed greatly as those of the Heavenly Court, is for what we were truly longing.

That which is in and above all, gives us our true call, to run away from a self-serving chow hall.

With us oh so close never to drop us, when we need so much help.

This union is so great and powerful in the midst of our storm, this is like nothing we have ever felt.

Bowing down to His greatness to follow Him step by step, as He walks with us on our own path.

We learn from our own struggles, as He picks us up and leads us on to what is so much better.

For in this ship we are always safe, no matter the weather.

Comforting us through these tribulations as we sit, turn, and toss.

However the closest we often feel to Him, is as we are connected on our own Cross.

Poison of Indifference

Things that are real and worth anything seem to have become so rare.

This has led so many to walk around on the daily, like they don’t care.

Maybe the reason for the feelings of this season is that they are actually there.

Not able to even pretend to sing along to this suffocating song.

We drop our instruments…breaking our snare we swear.

Look at this picture as the lights flicker and our problems won’t be swept away… no swiffer.

Now we walk around all that should seem insane but has become daily and mundane.

That which should collapse us over, now just gets the response of a shrug of shoulders.

Just normalizing and harmonizing all around us as it hounds us.

We try to water down this dog as it continues to bark, bite, and berate while it pounds us.

After all this we don’t even feel dissed and continue to dismiss at every hiss.

Turning away we continue to stray, as this has been deemed a normal day, with every color just turning gray.

This, that, those, these all seem the same and lame and we just continue this path and refuse to switch lanes or take flight on a new plane.

Thinking this is medication, ignoring our own prayerful meditation and following intrusive visitations that keeps us in this unbearable hibernation.

Slowly we see this is not where we are called to be, it may be time to climb down from this tree.

It has beared no fruits, just false salutes, from the moment we were a new recruit.

Alert to the reality of our hurt, as we hid so long in the dirt, we got dinosaur bones on our shirt.

This is not our home and is an unhealthy zone, to continually roam as we begin to call for help on any phone.

Stuck in a series of suffering solaces and sins, that seem to always get the wins.

Wanting so bad to take a new path and get a new spin and get a new grin.

Wanting to kick it up with all strength of our shins, there is so much to be done to get out of the numb, as we try to run.

Unable to do this on our own, we have lived too long trying to succeed alone.

Thinking we needed to find someone to completely understand this whole ordeal, as we laid lamenting in loss.

The One who would only completely understand is He who conquers via the Cross.

Muttering out a little prayer into the air, after years of questioning if God even cared in our despair, the fact is that He was always there.

For even when the lights are dim in this den.

The biggest step to get the help of Christ is to invite Him in.

Fleeing From the World

The life of lies and reprise have watered down and propped up a false idol with no depth.

Expecting us to bow down before it and without question give it our complete respect.

Leading to so many empty with just feeling of that which is empty leading to self-reject.

Telling us how important things which crumble are to be adored that lead us to tumble in this rumble.

Confused in this dance of one foot in the world and one foot in the Faith.

Flustered in this yelling at this situation, as we feel irritably irate.

The longer we live in this charade of perishable parades just to get false praise, our emptiness is raised.

Acting as if on the verge of an Oscar, when that which is lifted up is not to be worshiped, but is truly a monster.

Using nonsense to cope and ignore real hope, as we continually poke feeling continually broke.

These lies have pushed ideals of the altar of self and spirit of money and new things.

Sooner or later such a life will just leave us feeling hurt from so many stings.

As we have been created, we naturally seek something that plays a much deeper tune as it sings.

Wanting no part of this we look for liberation, from all these illusions of libations.

Yearning for air that is fresh and a new place to be, where we are actually free.

Asking and praying for a grand escape as if someone would come down with a magic cape.

To our grand surprise we hear something invite us out of this situation to a Paschal Destination.

This tells us the mirror we used to view ourselves was cracked, more than we could ever imagine.

Offering us help by the hand as to get away from all that we knew…. we are only at stage one without any plan.

Saying to not worry or fear, even if the way to this place isn’t that clear, we are the passengers and must let the Pareclete steer.

Called to something great long ago, we just have to listen with more silence, and the route…it will eventually show.

To take a leap into the new and scary is what must be done, as we all have fears we carry.

Overcoming the what ifs and what abouts, we are told to embrace joy and hope, dismiss all the doubts.

Taking on this journey called forth for a new spring of illumination to sprout.

Refuge found within the walls surrounded by the Iconic saintly examples,  the best part is these are but a sample.

Seeing that while we fled and looked for somewhere to be called to be.

Our hearts were already called out and marked by He who walks on the sea.

Told to walk with Him on this journey to never be the same, for that is why since the beginning, He has called us by name.

 Thoughts We Nurture

On the day to day our mind state can often sway.

That which comes into our minds often determines the mood we stay.

Influencing whether our days are gray or whether we embrace the Son’s rays.

When we take what life throws at us as if it has all collapsed, we will never be able to relax.

Our minds will twirl, whirl, and swirl, as we ignore God giving us so many pearls.

As we become chained to so many thoughts that distract, making it hard for us to detach.

This leads to nothing that benefits us and strangles trust and makes us think life is a bust.

When we take what we have been given and try to find that which is blessed, even in the hardships of a test, we feel loss of stress.

Our life lights up with the Uncreated Light illuminating call, as we raise it high to give all new sight in their own fights.

As we feel free able to escape traps and run into life determined to take on a new lap, shaking off all of life’s slaps.

This leads us to viewing the gifts which we have been granted, for even in the trenches of our wars, they are still being planted.

With so many issues that need addressing, let us never stop counting our blessings.

But one could be confused about where to start, to discover the Truth within our own heart.

For how can we as mere humans discover something so complicated when we just get confused every time we contemplate it?

Relax, and do not despair, as we have nothing to fear as we say the Jesus Prayer,  for we will be delivered from every trial we face.

We have to stop, slow down, and wait for God to give us grace.

Not God Who Abandons

Sitting within an ice bucket, a few hours past Nantucket.

We feel this cold was thrown on us on purpose on the course, no need to put it.

Shivering as we grumble in our tumble of shuttering, why? why? why?

Stressing that our life’s plan fumbles well before the goal line, oh my, my, my.

Often reasoning it is a failure when we fall short of reaching what we think to be the stars.

Organizing so many excuses this produces, as if the reason for this remains at large.

Obliterating ideas of reevaluation in this destination, as life pushes our buttons, it appears time for a tantrum detonation.

Soon we tire as we feel kicked against the wall, like we lost another hockey brawl.

Sighing from all the over-trying, asking for what it is we feel for our time is vying?

Sobbing after all the self-lying and crying, what could possibly make the stress factory be oversupplying?

Enough is enough as we look upstream in this river bluff.

Exhausted and frosted, we look for something else to drain out of this faucet.

Entering into a new mindset, the past track…sorry we lost it.

We grow wiser and older, we see it was not God that abandoned us, for that is never part of the True Order.

It is not God, who put up false items and ideals, thinking somehow this would actually help heal.

It is not God, who made selfish choice after selfish choice and then wondered why things went bad, when we disobeyed His voice.

It is not God, who overstressed over things that don’t actually define who we are and lost our way home because we weren’t even in the right car.

It is not God, who always sought to find a fake identity, in things that just led to regress and only made us a mess.

It is not God, who ever jeered, sneered, or emotionally speared us,...this could not be clearer,...to find who did that?...Just look in the mirror.

It is not God, who gave the deuces and thought we could walk on our own and tell the very Creator we are in charge, so He should just bounce!

It is not God, who in all of this ignored our calls for help and mercy but He who gave us more blessings than the universe could hold, as if it wasn’t even an ounce.

It is God, who created us to be so much more worrying about outer decor.

It is God, who wants us to get closer in union, not to be distraught with constant thought of doomin.

It is God, who became closer to us than we thought possible via Incarnation and forgives all our sins without hesitation.

It is God, who in the midst of our wrongs shows us where it is that we actually belong.

It is God, who never abandons us even when we yell at Him, despise and reprise,...it is He who invites us to return with a great surprise to lead to our rise.

It is God, who never gives us burn or tells us to adjourn, but does great miracles to encourage our return.

It is God, who rejoices and cheers at one sinner’s repentance, and does not call out past sins to a new sentence

It is God, who can only fully understand our struggle and pain and enters into it with us, without any hiccups.

It is God, who is always there to talk to us, even when we don’t call.

It is God, who from the moment He thought of us, wills the salvation of all.

In Spite

As things can go down I sometimes want to over-dramatize rather than relax and harmonize.

Turning events into something that is eternal and will never leave, as I can often be deceived.

The Truth is that this simply is not the case and that even in so much craziness.

 I have been beyond blessed with so much grace from God, ain’t talking no facade.

To be honest, my life is pretty great, not perfect but then again what is?

How often has God still loved me even when I wasn’t in the right but still granted me new light.

To lead me from what I was to what is, in spite of all of this.

In spite of me rejecting and insulting He has shown me accepting and eternal-protecting.

In spite of me doing what I shouldn’t and claiming to try that which I couldn’t, He embraced me and when I had been away.

In spite of me being embarrassed by all my falls through so many halls.

 He was already there to help me up when out His Name, I finally decided to call.

In spite of me giving in to other things and turning them into false gods.

 He had mercy on me when I realized these things do not satisfy and leave us empty and thirsty.

In spite of me not rising to the occasion as I venture off to vacation, He forgives me without any hesitation.

In spite of all the losses and tosses, He has been there with me  to guide us, we will never be alone when we carry our Crosses.

In spite of so much self-accusation and doubt, He always sends me a reminder to help me better understand the dignity of my creation and for what it is I am called to be about.

In spite of so many fits and hits, He always picks me back up and tells me to not give up or quit.

In spite of feeling I’m washed up, tired and done, He whispers that He will take me out of this and that His blessings have only begun.

Seal of the Heart

Called into communion of a chrismed community, to embrace such wondrous unity.

Called to move past fallen nature and move on to something greater, with such a grace-filled opportunity.

For by Christ we are wanted, called, and invited to be united and be embraced as our true selves.

For by Christ we are offered an invitation to pick up our Cross and through His journey, embrace salvation.

Taken to the water to wash away all that had marked us with dread to be born anew, and illuminated instead.

By the mark of Christ with oil to be anointed, as we are called to be holy and counted among the appointed.

This is no light and simple thing but completely transforms, to set us apart from the world, never to simply conform.

To go on and be Christ to others in our interactions to invite others in as well, we may get a variety of reactions.

It is okay to have our days that may seem a little hard, for struggle is a process in this part.

Damaged, bruised, and confused, however we will outlast all this, as with the Holy Spirit we are infused.

This mark is permanent, remaining forever no matter the weather.

Never able to leave, even if we think we are oh so clever.

Emboldened and strengthened from all put forth in front of us.

Getting us closer to God to guide us and never to hide us.

Taking on our journey to give us hints.

In due time to clear the blurry, but never in a hurry.

Given light to the dark and set a new spark.

This mark ignites the fire in our heart.

Unite My Sufferings

At some turns of pages of this story, I feel as if there is little sense of flying or soaring.

Having been slung so many trials for many miles, as if hearing the testimony in the court of critical crocodiles.

Punch after punch right to the heart and stomach, leaving me empty, no need for lunch.

As if none can understand the deck which was thrown to my hand, stuck in the desert’s sand.

In the distance I see the light in my sight of that which took place on Calvary.

A sequence of events that caused an unchained reaction gaining much traction.

I see that which Christ endured for all to hear His call, to take down the Fall.

He approaches in the suffering and pain and stays near, not  only in the sunshine but also in the rain.

Recognizing all my hardships and tests that pester like pests and embraces me as He offers me rest.

He invites me to unite my own wounds to His, so I can grow from these events and be built up, not broken and bent.

Finally someone who can truly and completely understand that which I carry.

Staying right next to me through everything calling on me to offer it to Him as on my own, this is not something that will spare me.

United my sufferings become something to bring about my sanctification.

Uniting me with all those Baptized, no matter how far, as we come from so many nations.

Here to stay and always be with me, not just a short sensation.

With Christ I find light within any dark no matter how loud it barks.

With Christ I overcome any challenge that is thrown my way.

With Christ I grow in holiness and this is where I am called to stay.

With Christ I am called and invited to be united.

With Christ I only find peace and feel undivided.

With Christ I have been chosen to rise out of the ashes and become unfrozen.

With Christ I have a true identity of uncountable value and love.

With Christ I have been saved and healed, with a flame of my heart ignited by the Dove.

Dignity within Despondency

Many a time we fall during our spiritual brawls, leaving us on the ground, in retreat we crawl.

Down on ourselves, we feel depleted and defeated, self-doubt…a buffet is what we feed it.

Feeling distant from that which we are called to be, we feel oh so deceived.

However a closer and brighter light is what we are called, to embrace and receive.

So sad and feeling there is no hope and the only answer we could ever get is a nope.

Pleading and praying from this place we could be saved and rescued.

Literally any place else we feel would have to be the best view.

Asking God how we could possibly have slipped down to this place?

Thinking we have been stuck in the mud and fallen too far back in our pace.

Screaming about how our worth is so far beneath anything, far under the earth.

Low is where we say we go and this gray cloud will be around, wherever we go.

Deceived that this is where we shall be forever and there is no way it could ever get better.

 In this we question who we are and what possible worth we could actually have.

In this we must look to that which was endeavoured by those who came before us.

They too dealt with so many tests, and are ready to intercede for us.

In the chants of our Baptism we remember with us is the Trinity, from our start to infinity.

Never leaving us and staying with us during these hard times.

Giving us strength to endure, backing up our soul and spine.

Trying to clear a path within such a blurry picture.

To better see our worth all we have to do is look to prayer and scripture.

God says we are loved beyond comprehension, He even died for us as one of us…let us not forget to mention.

Worth more than the whole universe is one person, in the eyes of the Lord.

With a special intention and plan did He create us with love, for our whole life’s span.

We must reembrace the grace and blessing we’ve been given, with our creation and existence.

We must reject all these lies thrown our way, with great persistence.

God declares us so special and unique and has something great for us, that we just can’t understand.

We are called to humbly submit and let Him be in control, to play out the works of His plan.

Same God That

For in this life we feel so many trials and tribulations before our final jubilation.

It will take us around so many different scenarios and situations.

God is always there to intercede for us without hesitation.

When tragedies befall us it can only happen at the allowance of God.

Even in these hard times, we must accept that His love is not a facade.

In this He stays right with us in our pain and feels our hurt, as our energy feels drained.

He invites us to rest and abide in His presence, to find a place of peace.

He wills not our suffering and offers us love and comfort.

Why He allows so much? Is something beyond our understanding.

Trust is all we have, as we cooperate in His mysterious ways.

In the same scene in which we feel so alone and isolated, God comes in to take us to a place that is elevated.

Taking us in such bad situations but turning them into means for sanctification.

Life is never easy and due to the Fall is far from a sunny vacation.

In our suffering God still calls our name.

In our suffering God never leaves us in the cold of the rain.

In our suffering God extends His hand.

In our suffering God slowly reveals His Divine Plan.

God still is there when our life has so many hardships.

God still is there when we feel stuck and just can’t seem to get started.

God still is there when we slip and fall so far way deep into the swim of sin.

God still is there when we call for help in our fall and immediately takes us back in.

God still is there when life is good and bright or dark and gray.

God still is there to be with us in all things no matter the day.

Help Me Accept

I sit in front of the iconastasis with so many past issues, alone I simply can’t face this.

Feeling surrounded with no fresh air, with all I bear from so much scare, darkness continues to suffocate this.

Breaking down from the pain that compounds, tired of being stubborn about this, has led me to continually drown.

Standing in this landing tired of over-planning in this spanning, I sit feeling defeated and rejected.

Lord your grace is all that can help through your control,  please help me accept it.

Lord help me accept that it is not I who is in control, for when I try to live as if I am, it takes a heavy toll.

Lord help me accept that we all have our Cross, through this I grow closer to you, for you will never leave me rejected and at a loss.

Lord help me accept the passing of those I lost in so many tragedies, for I know that this is a slow process but you will lead me to peace, sometimes it just happens gradually.

Lord help me accept that it was okay to have a rough time with all the pain caused by their passing, for it takes a lot out of anyone’s ship and this storm will lead to some crashing.

Lord help me accept that even with the torment of their souls that took a great toll, for you are taking care of them still no matter how bad I feel, and that the words of the Creed are actually for real.

Lord help me accept that even when I fell in sin due to this pain feeling insane to cope, that you still eternally-loved me and did not abandon me but always were there to pick me up with hope.

Lord help me accept the love I get from others for who I am and the good I do, for these are signs of the gifts created by you.

Lord help me accept that in all the struggle and pain that you are still there with us, to heal through your Holy Name.

Lord help me accept that the words that tell me to self-reject are nothing but lies and through your love should be thrown out to embrace our dignity and respect.

Lord help me accept the love you have for me from before time began, that my dignity and worth is beyond measure and has a special part in your grand plan.

Lord help me accept that it was your creation and love of me that makes me enough and that I don’t need to do anything extra to make up.

Lord help me accept that all happens at your allowance and that you are King and in control so there is no reason to try to take over, for we will never win fighting in that ring.

Lord help me accept that I have been blessed beyond what I can imagine, even when being tormented by my own monsters and dragons.

Lord help me accept that healing and your divine plan takes time, for it will be done according to your plan and word, not mine.

Lord help me accept that it is not I who must overcome all the issues I face, but that victory comes from your grace.

Lord help me accept that I must remember to stay humble when I am feeling oh so strong and large, for in reality you are the one who is actually in charge.

Lord help me accept that you will do great things for us all and that we were never called to embrace our own fall.

Lord help me accept that I will only find you in the now, that worrying about the past or present will just leave me lost, at a great cost.

Lord help me accept that all sent against me and leaves me feeling depleted, is something you save me from, for it has already been defeated.

Lord help me accept to forgive and love those who have hurt or wronged me, for they are still my brothers and sisters and reconciliation to get all closer to your love, is for what I should be longing.

Lord help me to accept in silence is where I will hear you, for in the quiet of the Jesus Prayer is often where a connection to you will appear through.

Lord help me accept all the great and amazing things you have done for me ordered from your throne, for in your image and goodness were we all made for a special reason and are not in this alone.

All Earthly Cares

Told to be enticed by that which is called nice, even though it leaves our view skewed.

To find meaning in that which is actually just showing a false gleaming.

Investing in that which will fix everything….we totally swear and solve all our cares.

When reevaluating the situation we are shown how this actually leads to rifts and tears.

For we have sought solace in that which will just shank our fortress, while we feel it drillin but think it will bring us happiness so we stay back chillin.

We bow down to this for we heard on a new podcast stream, that to heal the seam we just have to persist, the influencer totally insists.

The new sales, the new shows, the new purchase glows as we look for a rest but this never slows.

As we continue to compete but never find this feeling as we deplete and sit back in our seats.

This is just a fake show for which we are told to go, as we feel we should not question it and sit back in our row.

No longer can so many keep this up, as we hit a wall in this house of cards and fall so hard.

Wanting something deeper, calling out for a help signal,...quick hand me the beeper.

From this madness we feel the need to quit.

We look to the sermons of the icons that call us to approach the Cross and submit.

It is this sequence we find is step one and true joy’s pretense, as we feel less on the defense.

This is not a command of restriction to blur our vision but is liberation to call us out of hibernation and give us living water, to help our dehydration without hesitation.

Going from rambling and ranting to chanting songs to which we truly belong,  that which will make us strong.

Finally connected to that which leads us to peace and rest and helps us through any test.

As liturgy calls us to attention of all (and more) that has been mentioned.

Gathered together with others who are confused and broken but this is a hospital.

It’s okay if we haven’t figured out life’s riddles.

As the incense clears out the nonsense, humbling ourselves to love others is always a key constant.

We drop all ideas and attachments of the past that used to put us on blast, offering us happiness that could never last.

Standing to embrace the True King and allow Him to take us away, from that which we used to scream of and to a new great place that we couldn’t even dream of.

We Who Mystically Represent

We have been invited in and called to be taken out of our past and stand at attention before our King.

To be united with hearts on fire together as a choir and gratefully sing.

Next to the Cherubim to receive blessings to overcome everything, that seems so grim.

Granted the gift of standing next to angels and saints alive with us, more than just wood and paint.

Shoulder to shoulder we are made very good in His image to be saved from temptations, His love for us is not mere imagination.

Entering into this beautiful reunion so majestic and amazing, that this is called to hint at something coming to be eternal, not just a phasing.

As we see the incense rise up, as does our prayer, to illuminate this mysterious occurrence of beauty, to which nothing the world offers can ever compare.

Offering to walk with us in all burdens we bear, and to burn away thoughts of despair.

Inspired by surrounding various saints and scenes of the past, giving us hope for great intercessions to lead us to a joy that will forever last.

Not called to just look and admire as a mere spectator or fan, but to mystically take part next to those present to be an active part of this family, as part of God’s plan.

Even if we see the glamorized life of the canonized and venerated, we must remember they too had issues that could scandalize.

Through God’s grace they overcame this and performed such great feats.

In our problems, shortcomings, and sorrows is so often where God wants to meet.

Here is where heaven and earth interact, as God whispers through this of how He wills us to return from our sins and bring us back.

This being a glimpse of what could await us eternally, thanks to His love.

Called to be down here for a mission, but to live for a life guided by The Dove.

As we sing such praises to prepare to receive and unite with Christ to be completely transformed.

To have the fall conquered and be with the King, who was crowned by thorns.

This special place feeling united to God as our medicine, for He encourages us to Him as He tells the angels to let us in.

You Have Deemed Us Worthy

Even when we denounce and deny ourselves and fall for false identities.

We are given much needed help from true divinity.

Our Father knows us more than we ever could, and reiterates we are created for good.

Never demeaning us or rejecting us from His view.

Encouraging us to allow Him to fix us and be made anew.

Loving us more than we could possibly understand, not leaving us to perish in a desert land.

Understanding due to the Fall we will of course have flaws and slip trying to follow His Laws.

Back up we are taken and not forsaken, blessings within backslides is what He is makin.

His grace is given to us as a gift beyond any treasure, never cheap or something to thrift.

As we have fallen from our original purpose He did not leave us to rot, but found a way to bring us back even closer into His lot.

For He is the author of all things and determines what is and isn’t.

He never abandons us, even when we make such a great fuss.

Sending us angels to calm us and remind us the key thing in our life is to embrace trust.

Coming down via the Incarnation to get even more near to conquer death and fear.

Inviting us to pick up our own Cross and walk with Him on the road, in which we are called to defeat our own fall.

But as instituted so long ago, we are called to invite Christ into us to help us grow.

Offering Himself up for our salvation and to be brought back in a grand consultation.

Breaking Himself to be offered up and shared by us as a community to lead to unity.

Inviting us to partake so He may be within us so grace can be amounted, because among those called to be with God may we be counted.

He Has Revealed Himself to Us

Long we have felt so distant and to our own growth have become resistant, as these frustrations are so persistent attacking consistent.

Internally isolated, feeling alone in our own zone so far from our true home as we are trapped in this dim dungeon in which we groan.

Assuming our fate has already been sewn with barbed wire chains attached to Hades’ treacherous throne.

Looking around we see no sign of opportunity and find immunity or impunity for we think all this is our essence and who we be.

Sitting in silence of this inner-violence thinking our coping methods are what we have reliance, to turn the light on to a better appliance.

As we continue to sing these suffocating songs within our own tombs of doom.

We in fact are alerted by a new beeper much louder than the Reaper to let us know we’re dead-wrong.

Of the long waves of time there has been much space between us and that where we are called to.

Wanting to sprint there but can’t seem to figure out what tune to even jog to.

So we become confused and sift around looking for the next topic to write a watered-down blog to.

As time processed we slowly but surely were presented an invitation into a treasure no earthly kingdom has ever possessed.

A True Light that points to us in even our darkest dungeons, calling us to look into what should become, rather than what’s been.

Daring us to leave our past and our tensions, may they into the wind be cast.

For in this dusted mirror we saw not who we truly are but an actor as if in a play to lead us to sway, but not a true identity to stay, it is now time for it to go away.

As announced in the Incarnation that we are called to be liberated from these chains and to be members of a Holy Nation, without hesitation or preoccupation.

As God came down to die for us in our midst and to allow us to be sanctified deep within the Baptismal Waters, much more than some light mist.

Completely changing us and rearranging us, opening our eyes  rather than deranging us.

As death has long been conquered by Christ Our King and Our God, breaking down all sent against us and here to rescue us from this identity facade.

Calling us back home to the Father in union to eat at the table as one, as we live this out in Holy Communion.

Not leaving us abandoned without a plan in hand, sending forth to us the Holy Spirit, to guide us to spread all this grace to others to any land.

For all three of these are united in one to embolden the flames of our heart brighter than the sun by one-hundred seventeen times.

When asked who we truly are called to belong to, the resonating voice from the Trinity with great authority of divinity is, “Mine!”

Who Do We Serve?

In every mode or mood no matter what ways we say our words, deep down all people find something to serve.

Taking on a variety of means and measures to be seen.

Bowing to something, just in different directions in the motion to lean.

Even if on the outside we say we serve this, if we look down deep in the soul, this is not always how the soul persists.

The actions of souls truly declare our allegiance to who we are loyal.

Not simple words or images will truly declare which banner we fight for in life’s toils.

Seeking our selection by that which ranks highest to our life’s direction.

One may serve that which will elevate them to such serious and strong status.

Another may serve that which will grant them comfort or ease and make them the gladest.

Some may serve that which will give them some symbalonce of adventure and excitement.

So many though will go through such a great toll to feel like they are the ones who are in control.

However aside from all these are those who seek to find and serve the Truth.

To be reunited with He who created, setting aside any worldly loot.

In all this we must figure out which banner to join, as all seek a new recruit.

So many offer us promises of riches, relaxation, and anything we can come up with in our imagination.

So many offer us the same which is pushed towards us from the temple of technology and screens.

So many promise and swear that the more things we have, will make us into literal kings and queens.

The Real King offers us true treasure but not in boasting or with threats of violence.

The Real King extends His invitation in the depths of silence but requires us to sacrifice our self-reliance.

The Real King needs not fancy offers and glittery presents to make known the power of His Presence.

The Real King offers that which nothing and no one else can ever complete or compete.

The Real King heals that which leaves us deplete.

The Real King promises and fulfills something greater than we can ever think of or conceptualize.

The Real King needs no recruitment strategy to outdo the others, for His promises last so much longer than anything false leaders try to materialize.

He calls us to be humble to get closer, even if we may take a few tumbles.

To serve Him we are called to die of self, to be granted a new life giving true wealth.

For what is our true allegiance? If we wear a cross but live as if the gold that makes it, not He who is on it as our boss.

For what is our true allegiance? If we mouth the words of prayers or liturgy but sell out those in our lives at any cost.

To serve the True King we are called to follow Christ as humble servants.

To serve the True King we are called to submit to God’s authority knowing anything else isn’t worth it.

Called to embrace this even though so much has gathered against this.

Called to return to the King’s Court, with marching to the drum of repentance.

She Who Tramples

Lately all enemies against us have seemed to amp up, as if coming to our house to throw motors at our soul’s border, and take everything like a hoarder.

However, even in this testing time, everything is not as it seems.

Quickly we have help from the Heavenly Queen.

The Mother of God fears not this facade, with ease breaking right through logismoi rods.

She loves us all as her children and serves as our protectress, nothing  could deject this.

Comforting us under her veil to guide us as we lament softly relaxing us, but also inviting us to repent.

Even when we fall short, she does not forsake us but intercedes for us, as her Son is where she wants to take us.

The serpent surrounds us willing to drown us, slithering stealthfully waiting to pounce.

However Our Queen comes in, brighter than all the stars with a strong denounce.

Ancient enemies these two, long has been their battle.

As he tries to land strikes but she just leaves him rattled.

For the cobra is not king, Our Lady reinforces this in the liturgical lyrics we continue to sing.

As the snake wiggles and attempts to rush, she tramples his head and leaves him crushed.

Fearing not that which attacks her children, how she does all this leaves us bewilderin.

Marching over her foe to victory, and jumping in for all of us against him without question, to lead to our blessin.

As she is surrounded by countless angels and saints a new picture for our lives, she intercedes to the Trinity to paint.

Staying next to us in all that we encounter and confront, for her force against it strikes very blunt.

We venerate her as the Matriarch of all, when we are in trouble it is her name we do call.

Dazzling in beauty and glory as Queen of All in the universe, we cannot describe her magnificence in any mere written verse.

Trusting in the strength of Mary the Theotokos and our queen of God’s selection, relying on her unfailing and holy protection.

We Have Seen the True Light

Living a past life that was watered-down leading us to drown, thanking God it has been turned around.

Slowly in a process of contemplation to face all that is on our path.

Cleansed of our past obsessions thanks to the Baptismal bath.

We experience the Truth in our ups and downs of the ladder of life.

Showing His light through our triumphs and strife.

Inviting us to follow in this great experience of His plan.

Taking us into great adventure, far from bland.

In this light that brightens but never burns, this is the process in which our souls turn.

Turning away from all the lies of our past and despise.

Turning to Him to understand our true purpose to our own surprise.

Coming down to save us from a Fall that was of our own decision.

Wanting to bring us back even closer, and close down the division.

Of this great event came the fruition of sin and death’s demolition.

Bringing us together with others, who seem to be of such a variety of flight of feathers.

Coming down to show us the path to return to where we belong.

Entering into our lives to get us through all trials and make us strong.

Through an ancient process to enter into our very being, that we can’t even understand this process, it goes so much deeper than seeing.

As this allows us to absorb grace never before experienced in such a way.

Telling us a place of brokenness and hurt is not where we are called to stay.

In a world that tries to distract with sparkles and false shines.

This True Light out-brights all things in sight, to give us renewed life to live out our mission with a new fight.

We Beseech Thee Oh Lord

Tried to figure things out on our own way leading us to stray, as we feel peace’s delay in all we talk and parlay.

Assuming it was us in charge, then why is that which we seek still at large?

Remaining lost at a great cost, tired of being stuck at every beat.

We finally accept it is God who we must beseech.

For those who lead us to your Word and love, please give them the grace from above.

For all that stresses us and makes us want to give up and quit, you abandon us not, in fact in this struggle you sanctify and bless it.

For those we care for, we offer up our sufferings for them, asking for the ranks of Heaven to intercede to the very end.

For those who suffer, that you grant them healing and comfort, please no buffer.

For the place and land which we live our lives, that it may be blessed and thrive with peace from all beasts.

For all of our trials and tribulations, that we may have the strength the face them as we wait patiently for jubilation.

For all those who we have issues and problems with, that we are called to love them and that they are created in your image too, is something to not forget.

For all those times we are hurt and acted out, for in our creation that is not what we are actually about.

For those who may be alone and by themselves, that they may find a new welcoming home.

For all people who seek the Truth but are not yet there, that they be guided to He who breathes the life-giving air.

For all the arguments and fighting that seems to never end, that love and reconciliation may become the new trend.

For our families, whether strong or separated due to fractures, that by your love they may become a sanctifying factor.

For those who harm us and act as a foe, that their hearts may be turned to a heavenly glow.

For those we hurt due to our own sins, that we may be forgiven and cease our part in division.

For the times we put anything before the Trinity, thinking it could somehow fill us more than the life-creating divinity.

For the times we deny Christ with our actions, may we remember His Cross in all our interactions.

For the times we looked down on others for any reason, that all are called with such love in every season.

For us to give up the illusion of control, all it has done is cost us a great toll and kept us from embracing our true role.

For when we put up walls between others and even You, as we were lost and broken without knowing what to do.

For us to embrace your love even when we slip and dive, for you call us not to just exist but to rejoice and thrive.

For the defeat of things that keep us down, by the might of your crown.

Dry Ocean

The world walks around in the same old motion and movement.

Surrounded by possible options as we navigate this ocean.

Told to soak and sink it all in with a grand grin.

We suddenly realize this ocean has no depth, and is very thin.

Tired of the mundane and repetition.

We seek not pat on the backs or high fives, which seems to be the only thing mentioned.

What we seek is the call to submit to God and seek redemption.

For these waves seem to be a phase and eventually fade.

This current is not the route our true grade.

Offered so many promises and roles.

Not knowing they will come at a great toll.

But all drinks offered from this ocean run dry and as they water the roots of lies.

It can not fill or lead to our own growth.

That can only come from submitting to the Father’s Will.

More amazing and glorious than anything we could see.

More than just a visit, for it is where we are called to be.

More than green pastures and valleys.

More than a place of rest but a call to mark it as a permanent tally.

This ocean deceives and rattles our raft.

However, we must keep going in the face of this blast.

We are guided to our destination, and given peace in all our frustration.

For we see the idea of focusing more on wants of ease and doing what we please does not keep a lasting peace in the breeze.

For a font of the watered-down leads us to drown with great ease.

For so great is what God has in store, as He calls home to shore.

For we were created to be so much more.

Calling Us By Name

Called not to live in vain and give into vanity of values so insane.

We are called to embrace our true beauty on a much different plane.

Created as so much more than a number by authority stronger than thunder.

When we were held captive hesitated not to rescue us, as we are worth more than any plunder.

Not a mere statistic as if life was randomly shattered into flame like a ballistic.

Put with precision and purpose were we crafted to pin-point accuracy, by He whose aim does not miss it.

Thinking we are of no importance to Him and that we are just persisting of an irrelevant existing, not realizing how beautiful and of blessings our life is actually consisting.

God sees us when we fall and say such things, and offers us a way out upon angelic wings.

Sending us help when we are stuck and drown, with power beyond magnitude but often doesn’t make a sound.

We are all individually hand-chosen by God for a unique purpose and mission.

It may be hard to figure out what it is, so in the silence we must learn to listen.

So special we are in His sight as He came down to redeem us with all of Heaven’s Might.

For out of the dark before our life in the womb, God has deemed us valuable and worthy as each of us has been set apart with the very beat of our heart.

He calls us more than dear and for us took on nail and spear, so that death would be conquered and He guides us through any obstacle we fear.

Embracing us to be so great and wonderful, never mediocre or comfortable.

Walking the path with us one foot at a time, send us an army of saints for every mountain He calls us to climb.

Never wanting us to feel trapped in a low zone, for He sends countless to intercede, for we are never alone.

Wanting to enter into all things in our lives, to give us the grace to complete our journey at our own pace and take on all we face.

Sought out as a Servant of God to partake in something at hand that is beyond that which we can understand, with grace that floods from His Body and Blood.

Called to overcome all that which has been blasting, overcoming our faults for our sins are forgiven as we are called unto life-everlasting.

Through this mystical process we will not remain the same, all of us invited  as individually loved by God, as He calls us by name.

I am the First

As life goes on and we may even say a prayer or two as in Liturgy we linger, but oh how often when it comes to discussing sin we love to point a finger.

Loving to display that which is or is not done by others, ignoring the fact they are still our sister or brother.

Shouting it out like we are on a podcast or live stream interview, not even thinking of the context in which they may have been through.

Identifying them as actions rather than that which someone more ancient has deemed, mistaking us as having some great authority in this scene.

Navigating around any idea of possible offering help or healing, that is not the status move in which we are dealing.

Lauding as if we are some great sample or example of perfection, like we are the ones in charge of sinful detection.

However, often if we are obsessed with actions, first we may want to talk to the mirror, for a more accurate reaction.

Often it is us, who do that which we most accuse others.

Often it is us, who fall short and would beg for mercy from our sisters and brothers.

Often it is us, who sin and make mistake after mistake, yet we walk around as if we are entitled to all at Heaven’s Gate.

Time after time we continue to slip and slide, without being on a waterpark ride.

We want to grow spiritually, so to do that? The condemnation of others is nothing but futility.

When we mess up we think others should forgive and add less to our struggle cup.

We must first look within ourselves and see where it is that we must put in work.

Humbling ourselves to receive much needed help, after realizing we are so far from perfect.

Hearing words of challenge from the sermon to lead to repentance, this time we heard it.

In looking to ask for help with our own sins we face, we are gifted newfound grace.

Allowing us to grow, giving said grace and blessings to those around us.

Given the blessings of sacraments to help us take on that which hounds us.

For the reason we casted out condemnation was out of frustration from what was in our own heart.

Flustered at our own struggle we faced that seemed so dark.

The good thing is that our God loves us in the middle of this and still offers us so many ways out.

Humbled beyond measure allowing us to finally see the true treasure.

Inviting us in even closer, never defining us by our sins by any measure.

None are perfect and need forgiveness beyond count or calculation.

For acknowledging often our own sins is what weighs us down and we need God’s help in mercy in this self-evaluation.

Procession of Protection

We march through this world with so much thrown our way.

On a journey we try to put all earthly cares away.

Journeying in hope of returning home one day.

Many forces oppose this trek, wanting us to crash and wreck.

Coming up with so many tricks and traps, to try to leave us slapped.

Very strong are the opponents who take us on, to break us away from a heavenly bond.

Our strength, no matter how strong, simply cannot keep up or compete.

Looking on paper this could lead many to call for a retreat and accept defeat.

Running from what we are called, as we feel our heart deplete.

Give thanks to the Lord, for this is not the case.

For He walks with us on this race in all weather.

For His goodness endureth forever, His love for us will never be severed.

Sent to us from His court, we are given angelic escorts.

Protecting us at all sides, helping us as our prayer begins to rise.

Interceding at our heart’s beating, loyal among all, never leaving.

Staying with us in all tribulations and triumphs.

Marching with us into our spiritual battles, against any lineup.

From the angels, to the saints, to the Forerunner, and to of course Our Lady, the Theotokos.

To such strong helpers, may we always hold close.

Let us look to their examples as we journey on our path.

Of God’s grace and mercy they are great samples.

When we feel tired on this trip we look at all that they also endured.

God was there for them as He is still for us to this very day.

For His goodness and love for us will never go away.

In this march we demonstrate our love and loyalty to the True King.

Fearing not the coldness of winter, as we know soon it will be spring.

Honoring and remembering all we have been blessed with.

As we display the banners and symbols of our belief.

May what is shown on the outside be as strong underneath.

For only out of an internal-source can our light shine.

If not we will find many breaks and cracks in the line.

We walk through and encounter various people and scenes.

Inviting others to also join this endeavor, to embrace the forever.

Following the flow of the Spirit, for within the silence of our hearts is how we hear it.

Inch by inch we get closer to our destination, being guided past our previous hesitation.

Slowly through this humble rumble we get closer to God, even though we have a few fumbles.

Displaying our community’s journey on our banners so tall, on a march back to where we are truly called.

Let My Prayer Arise

Life often confuses and complicates me beyond belief.

I’ve searched everywhere but find no peace or relief.

As if hope has been lost or taken by a thief.

However, I still feel in my heart that there is something beyond all this grief.

I stand in a place of mystery throwing out the false promises offered, now they’re just a list to me.

Wanting to encounter something much greater, this cannot wait until later.

For all that which was offered is nothing more than paper.

I seek to raise up to something that has always called me forth.

All other things do not fill after every report.

For nothing compares to this call, no matter what they bring forth.

I enter to a sacred place where I feel He who created all, bring forth a new embrace.

Reflecting on all that has gone on for so long.

Somehow after taking so many hits and kicks, in this place I still feel strong.

Emboldened by this silence brighter than any appliance.

This is life-giving for it is my true reliance.

In a life unsure and windy and roady.

In this place of peace is where my hope be.

I pray for all my struggles, both small and large.

Asking for help to remember that it is God who is in charge.

I ask for peace from all my sufferings and guidance in tough decisions.

Knowing this is a process, and to trust in God’s vision.

I thank the Lord for all the blessings that in the past I used to take for granted entirely.

I thank God most of all that He has allowed me to change and see the difference from the man I used to be.

For the grace to be patient and see all things through.

Often that can seem so hard to do.

For those in my life who need help and to be lifted up.

May their lives be given great blessings as grace erupts.

I pray for those who have hurt me and those I have hurt.

Forgiveness and reconciling requires true humility and work.

For those who have moved on from this world and life.

That they be granted a place among the righteous in Paradise.

For all those feeling alone and left out with no place to go.

That as Christians our welcome of the stranger can continue to grow.

For all those who teach us the path and lead us on the way.

By God’s Word they may never sway or stray.

For an end to hate and fighting, leading to violence and dividing.

We may all be given an Angel of Peace, so such things can start subsiding.

That we may always embrace and remember in God’s image in which we are made.

For anything else is just a trick or game being played.

I pray to understand others by their heart and not just on a snapshot.

For under many layers is where we can see what we truly got.

I pray for help to accept whatever is in God’s plan.

To allow me to grow and my understanding to expand.

For all these things and others to be taken up to God at the Holy Table.

That I remember as a Child of God, will always be my true label.

One True Throne

When it comes to the True Crown there has only been room for one.

Shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who cannot be outdone.

All others crack and fade away, no matter how much they pay.

Every person eventually must choose to whom they submit.

Some may try to rationalize serving more than one, even if they don’t admit it.

We may have a false peace for quite a while.

Getting along in life with a fake smile.

But our internal-war rages worse than the Nile.

Knowing deep down that this peace is not true, and is only a show for style.

So we try to weigh our options and choices.

During this get recruited by many voices.

Swearing great and amazing things.

Even if it leads later to so many stings.

There is one voice that sticks out.

That already knows us, more than our own selves.

Telling us what we are actually called to be about.

Taking on all fear and the surplus of doubt to call us to a new route.

This voice is the loudest, but far from the proudest.

It speaks in the silence but persists to our hearts.

Outshining all things that would just tear us apart.

Calling us to a higher place, from our past we can depart.

For the Throne of Heaven cannot be served after another.

For we are loyal to God or to another.

Alone is the Trinity ruling over all.

Alone is God’s voice who answers when we call.

The Diagnosis of Sin

Made in Divine Love from our Creator with a sanctified image and worth.

Over the years we have slipped from this union with our maker, leading to much illness and hurt.

Unsure and lost, separated from our life-source leading us to fall where diabolical diseases lurk.

This is not a mere ignoring of simple rules.

This is something much deeper than failing a quiz at school.

This takes a much deeper and medicinal toll.

This isn’t about being good or bad but is about the very health and life of the soul.

We were made to be in union and relationship with our Divine Creator.

Now due to sin we are distant from He who gave us life.

Unable to fully breath as if choking, not just in timeout for bad behavior.

Confused and ill, not in line with the Father’s Will.

This is not for what we were made, leaving us unhealthy.

This virus is sinisterly spreading very stealthy.

An infection that can go person to person and leaves whole civilizations hurtin.

Unable to find a home remedy, no matter how much we might be workin.

This leaves us flustered and dazed, trying to make sense of walking blindfolded through a maze.

This causes a deep hurt making us dig down with coping ditches, trying to find something that might leave to quick fixes.

So often the pain and hurt is sin’s root, for this is with which the devil loves to recruit.

Acting out of pain, feeling drained, confused where to drive in which lane.

We are lost in forests and sticks, we try to mend, but in reality it’s all just pretend.

In reality this is a confused attempt to speak out and figure out what we actually need, thinking it will be fixed with moves for power, pleasure, or greed.

When approaching this we cannot do so with fingers pointed.

We will soon figure out deep down, we are all double-jointed.

This routine will not heal but will lead a sinner to double-down.

We need a life-raft not a harpoon, to save us when we drown.

With patience we must approach and let the Holy Spirit work and coach.

Love and compassion is what Christ calls of us, for we all deal with our own rust.

God the Father calls us for appointment by name, even after our sin He still loves us the same.

In all this sickness we are not given to death or despair.

Long ago He who we fell from, willed such miraculous repair.

As we lay down ill coughing while the world is scoffing, but He arrives to be with us in all the pain to give much needed care.

For this leads us to slip down sick from our path for which we be missin.

The only thing to cure his would be regular treatment from the Divine Physician.

The Power of the Jesus Prayer

I often say and mutter memorized words but don’t think about what they mean.

They may have my audible words to start, but somewhere else is my heart.

Needing something deeper to get closer to the emptiness I find in my very heart and soul from life’s toll.

I walk away from the performative sound to find a quiet place and take out my small prayer rope in which to be bound.

It has become my life line ninety times nine times, a heavenly pipeline backing me up more than my spine.

I slowly recite the Jesus Prayer to connect with He who truly cares and takes us out of despair through the wounds He beared.

So short in words but deeper than the oceans in bringing into God’s Word.

I sit back and ponder in this scene to think what could such a precise prayer actually mean?

Lord Jesus Christ Son of God,

You, the King of Kings.

Second Person of the Trinity.

God incarnate in such divinity.

Joining us to defeat the darkness of winter and bring about a new spring.

Begotten of the Father to sanctify us and walk with us in our journey.

Calling us to return to our True Purpose with a great hurry.

Defeating the devil and death and rescuing the dead, granting eternal-life instead.

Have Mercy,

Needing your Uncreated Light to illumine me as I sit in the dark.

For only your goodness can take me out of this trap and so many mishaps.

To please give us that which we need to get closer to you as we proceed.

In my Baptism you have marked me to be guided by the Holy Spirit, often I need help to figure out the way as a sinful man I can’t always hear it.

Calling us home not as mere servants or workers, but as your child who you still love beyond measure even when I when my love of you was low, mild, when I was confused and acting wild.

As your child you call me by my very name not number to use the lows and blows to be transformed for blessing from any slope to lead to majestic hope.

On Me a Sinner,

You knew of me and my faults and chose to grant new life from all this strife.

Creating me unique as a treasure to be rescued out of a sinful vault.

For in sin I have so long lived as a way to try to fix wounds, as a wrongful work to heal with and deal with.

So toxic and hurtful this is, as thinking poison is medicine and the chains of sin are what leads to freedom.

So ill with cold chills, you come through to give me true prescriptions that will actually heal.

I know so many deal with this as well, for who am I to cast a stone over the falls of another when I drink from the same well?

Needing Divine Help as so much suffering and mistakes is what has been felt.

Let me remember that I am never on my own, for you are always there to heal deeper than my very bones.

In this process I am able to understand the Grand Plan and ignore the distractions and allow my soul to expand.

In this I am reminded of the treasure we all are and how Christ Himself calls upon us to find in Him rest as we take on test after test.

Nothing being too big or small for He has uncountable love for us all as unique masterpieces.

As suffering and sin is never meant to be a place for us to stay, I feel word by word, the Jesus Prayer helps take me away.

Rejoice of the Burnt and Broken

Countless sit broken and conflicted.

Feeling empty and unable to move on, with feelings of doubt…we just can’t lift it.

Failing and falling after going through pain leaving us crying and balling.

Thinking life is but desolate is all we get.

Views of hope, that’s what we forget.

Despair seems to be the seat where we always sit.

The world says this is the mindset for us to stay.

The world says such things may never go away.

The world says these costs are too much to pay.

The world says this beast is too great to slay.

God says we will not suffer forever.

God says He will bless and get us through every endeavor.

God says He will speak love into our hearts, much deeper than any letter.

God says that no matter how bad or far this may span, He has an even stronger plan.

For hope is never lost even in the coldest of frosts.

For He is the one that comes to find the lost.

For He does this by the Cross.

In all the darkness, He conquers it with the light of heaven.

Igniting life in all, defeating all things sent to make us fall.

Inviting us out of this place and to somewhere new.

Telling us not to worry, He’ll guide us on what to do.

There is nothing that He cannot get us through.

In the middle of all that afflicts us, God is there because He picks us.

Never leaving our side, He invites us in, not to hide.

Back to His caring arms, against all things that cause harm.

In the middle of all that we must deal, we stay marked with a heavenly seal.

Reminding us that our Baptismal vows are forever real.

Not making our sufferings or struggles a waste at any pace.

Using them for our sanctification, in any place.

In any situation we can find reasons in Him alone, to rejoice in this zone.

For He has chosen to call us individually to get closer to Him every day.

Until we are called to be united forever, for a holy place to stay.

We are created and keep great dignity and worth, outside of our actions and deeds.

He calls us all home by name, inviting us on a journey that will never leave us the same.

Even in the middle of so many issues and temptations found in every nation.

He blesses us and guides us without hesitation.

Not forcing anything in this process, for He wants our love by our choice.

He wants us to respond to this, with our own voice.

Within all that is thrown our way and we go through we still rejoice.

Rich Turned Poor

Sent illusions and intrusions that money is our true solution.

That this paper will somehow heal our wounds and make us content.

While actually the first step to this is detaching and accepting we must repent.

So many build their castles upon worldly goods.

But given just a little battle such foundations easily rattle.

Thin is the walls of this house, many still think it will never fall.

To money is where they think their saving is called.

Going all in with this not realizing what is actually missed.

That peace can be bought is what many thought.

Rather than allow God to guide us to what we truly sought.

These things do not comfort us when we mourn.

These things cannot give us what we were called to be from before we were born.

These things at best numb but actual peace, it will get none.

Such a structure eventually falls and collapses due to its own walls.

Leaving those inside with no place to hide, begging for a new ride.

Begging and searching for something that can actually fill.

For all worldly castles crumble, showing reality is real.

Only the Heavenly Throne lasts eternal and is all-powerful.

Creating and sustaining all, calling us all out of love and care for repair.

It invites us in, away from the bust that turns to rust.

For that which we used to want, it just turns to dust.

Not Past Saving

Sins have been committed by so many over time.

We get tricked to think that this is how we are defined.

Feeling lost within oblivion.

Thinking we are stuck in this line.

That our sins are past the ability to forgive.

That a life distant from God, love, or joy is where we must live.

Self-diagnosed and putting up our case on a post.

However God does not view this as the case at all.

He invites us home for a medical house call.

Telling us to slow down as we put ourselves on blast.

If we want examples of forgiveness, just look at the saints’ pasts.

Their actions did not define them or destroy hope.

Through the grace of God they were saved.

Raised up by His grace to take on new sight.

For our sins could never compare to His might.

To be emboldened in the heavenly light.

What about when I took an item for a greedy action?

He forgives!

What about when I gave into the passions?

He forgives!

What about when I acted out of hate and went irate?

He forgives!

What about when I judged and looked down on everyone in the town?

He forgives!

What about when I ignored God and denounced Him as Lord?

He forgives!

What about when I strayed from the Truth to jump through easier hoops?

He forgives!

What about when we disobeyed and disrespected our parents?

He forgives!

What about when did actions that caused others hurt?

He forgives!

No one sits beyond the forgiving love of the Lord.

To receive it we just need to cooperate with His Word.

As we receive forgiveness, this is also something we must give.

This is the way in which the Christian must live.

What about people who make bad comments to us?

You must forgive!

What about when others’ loyalty strayed, leaving me betrayed?

You must forgive!

What about those who cause me harm and to those who helped not, ignoring all the alarms?

You must forgive!

What about those who show me no respect, and when I try to get along they just reject?

You must forgive!

What about those who are hard to forgive and get along with, they often make my frustrations the strongest?

You must forgive!

God loves all and to each, home is where He calls.

The grace of being forgiven or forgiving, no one is too tall.

In His goodness He helps us work past our falls and misbehaving.

For no one in His eyes is past saving.

With His Presence

After so long of feeling so distant.

Often our struggles seem to be persistent.

Putting ourselves on trial, accused by ourselves, as our own witness.

Wanting to find a way back to where we belong.

Called back by something that seems so strong.

In our hearts something has landed.

Telling us we are not abandoned.

In all that we go through we need not worry or pick up the phone.

For in all situations we are never alone.

Let us not give into fear, for Christ is right here.

Staying right next to us since times of old.

Fulfilling what was foretold.

Allowing us to leave the darkness.

To be changed and become bold.

He stays not off in some far place.

Our way above our heads in outer-space.

He is shoulder to shoulder with us in every case.

Inviting us to allow Him in during these mysteries.

Much more than a mere small taste.

Giving us the grace to become something more.

Partaking in the process to bring us to what we are created for.

With us when we take every loss.

Teaching us how to carry our Cross.

Walking with us every step of the way.

Taking out obstacles we could never slay.

Wanting to get closer even after we turn our backs.

Giving us help in all things we lack.

Not throwing us out due to our sin.

Calling us to repent and be redeemed.

In this process He wants us to come back in.

Even when our cloth is ripped, He can fix every seam.

Back to the house in which we call home.

After being dazed as we wandered and roamed.

At the table He still saves our seat.

He wants to give us even more than we could ever seek.

For nothing the world offers could even compare.

Just leaving us broken and bare.

Complicating life with shallow cares.

After being lost and looking for the truth for many years.

Leading to many struggles and even more tears.

We now realize that He who we were searching for was always right here.

Spare Me from the Spirit Of

Oh Lord, please help guide me on the path.

Let me embrace your plan, and let go of the past.

Let me learn how to let go and trust.

Let me get through all I must bear.

Let the temptations be defeated, so I may be spared.

Faced with the spirit of indifference tempting me to care not.

When I should be grateful for life and embrace all I got.

To take all things serious and not give up hope.

Tempted to just shrug my shoulders and stay stagnant.

In reality I should be active and participate with you.

For you call out my name, to lead me in what to do.

Looking at all sent in the air.

As the storm batters I can be tempted to accept despair.

The idea that all is over and there is nothing to embrace.

We are stuck in this situation and suffering is our only place.

That nothing can change and all this is set in stone.

Forgetting God is always in charge of every zone.

Moving through days and hours.

Often feeling the urge to gain more worldly power.

That we can control and be in charge of destiny.

That I can take on all by myself, nothing is besting me.

Forgetting that only one would use this to recruit.

The same one that convinced Adam and Eve to eat the fruit.

While I may think it will bring me peace and help me relax.

This is just a trick and will eventually collapse.

As I should only focus on the word of truth to speak.

I often get tempted that idle chatter will lead to my peak.

Wanting to talk about things that are just nonsense.

That would go against anyone’s conscience.

Saying so many words, but nothing is actually said.

Distracting us from what we are called to do.

Distorting our actions and dimming our view.

From the judgement and gossip that seem to go nonstop.

For this confuses us and keeps us from our journey.

Focusing on this rather than prayer.

We are stuck on earthly cares.

As a sinner I cannot defeat these by myself.

Needing so many interventions and divine help.

To you I cry out for assistance.

For these temptations attack me with so much persistence.

Of my own strength, I offer very weak resistance.

Lord please help me get away from ideas of this sort.

Raise me up out of this place to your Heavenly Court.

Let these thoughts be uprooted when they are planted.

Wanting to distort our lives and leave us slanted.

Help me stay close to your commands.

To accept your love and embrace your plan.

To humble me to accept I may not fully understand.

May your grace get me through all that is tough.

Let me trust that your love is more than enough.

Rusted Jewelry

Wanting to be seen at the new thing when we sing.

Being told by the world we live only for the shiny bling.

Whether it’s a chain, earrings, watch, or ring.

 That happiness can only be found in these things.

Wanting to leave others perplexed when we try to flex.

Wondering why wise people just don’t seem to get this.

Needing these visuals to show we are on top.

When it comes to outshining others, it never seems to stop.

The shine from these items look so nice and bright.

Thinking they can elevate us and give us new flight.

Needing so many items from the left to the right.

To walk out so we can be the ones they talk about.

Ignoring the truths we should learn a lot about.

Humbling and helping? That is what we are not about.

We have to be the brightest and mightest.

The one others look to and want to try this.

Brand new item? We simply have to buy this.

Thinking such a thing is a safe gamble.

Then it happens… this all crumbles in shambles.

Realizing the scam we panic and scramble.

All that we invested in as an idol has gone bust.

From the moment we bought the items, they were determined to rust.

Shattering and cracking, grounding down into dust.

The shine they gave was temporary and not even real.

Convincing us to give all to it,  with such great zeal.

Seeing this was never a good deal.

This gave us false hope to slip down a slope.

Ignoring real issues to be used to cope.

Could this ever work or fill? Nope.

All this was bought, just to break and shake.

It gives us no true peace, and our sanity is what it takes.

Dropping down in value as rattled in an earthquake.

Such things diminish and scatter.

Opening our eyes to the fact they didn’t really matter.

Leading to nonsense and just idle chatter and clatters.

For there is a true shining light.

This is what our souls want to seek.

This stirs something up, underneath.

This outlasts all, nothing can compete.

The light which has already marked our soul.

The light which guides us out of any hole.

The light which warms us in all cold.

The light which never diminishes but is always bold.

The light that has been with us since our Baptismal words were told.

Plastic Crown

Many walk around all day long like they’re top dog.

Thinking they have the final word, like a top blog.

Thinking they run everything on a light jog.

Crowning themselves the boss who is in charge.

The authority and worthiness of such a throne?

That still remains at large.

Looking down from so high up.

Taking in the taste of an empty cup.

For living with all things worldly.

Taking in all things propped up by materialism.

Ignoring that it leaves us all in a prison.

Thinking items, rankings, and bankings will actually get savings.

All this just leaves us starving with internal cravings.

Running around bragging of such things around town.

In reality they are crowned just with a Burger King crown.

With talking so much all day.

In reality they don’t make any real sounds.

“Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah”…that’s all I hear.

“Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya”… as they scream and steer.

Ignoring the castle falling as the invasion of reality comes near.

The authority one gives themself does nothing to help.

Like walking into the UFC, with a plastic belt.

For true authority remains in Heaven.

To He who created all, in just seven.

Then you hear the silent but large hit…pound.

This image falls and down goes the crown to the ground.

In a sea of lies and ego, one will drown.

All compares not to the Heavenly Hosts.

No matter how loud or proud one boasts.

All will fail as they fall at their fake posts.

Christ alone is King and rules.

Anything else is simply not built to last.

The thrones many used to serve collapse and fall flat.

Realizing lies and propaganda is all that was spat.

Christ alone is the True King, as we want nothing else.

For where would we go? He alone can save us from our foes.

He rules with majesty and invites us into His kingdom.

We must take the first step to approach what we are called to get.

We must put down false crowns for our Cross, and embrace a simple submit.

past saving.

Our Lady, Beyond Compare

As we open the doors.

We see someone like we have never seen before.

So immaculate calming us down.

Mending all our tores.

Shining brighter than all of Jerusalem.

Reigning as Queen with beauty beyond compare.

Sitting as Queen in a royal chair.

To truly understand this more.

We should listen to words chanted behind the Royal Doors.

Right next to us whenever we suffer.

There to comfort us as our Holy Mother.

Knowing better than ourselves of what we need.

Never hesitating to intercede.

Coming to our defense with great speed.

Appearing to us in a wide variety of tales.

For, through any sea she would sail.

Giving us new breath.

Great chants we exhale.

Unlike any worldly leader.

Such kind words could not be heard from any other reader.

Her throne was granted from Him on high.

So close she is to Him in the Heavenly Court.

Outshining even the angels themselves.

Within all our problems she is willing to delve.

Lifting us up as her precious children.

This love and caring we cannot truly understand.

She comforts us through any tribulation at hand.

Our great enemies of all snakes?

She has already trampled for our sake.

Feeling our pains and tears.

Holding us up through all our years.

Our Lady who has uncountable grace.

We venerate and honor.

To her direction we face.

To receive a motherly embrace.

For even within all our scares, tares, and despairs.

She leaves us not because she really cares.

Leadings us to embrace our own dignity and image.

Ignoring so many lies that want us to diminish.

So majestic and serene in every scene.

Leaving all where she is at, beyond pristine.

As Theoktos, Mother of God…

Breaking down all false facades.

A true warrior, stronger than any army.

At her presence, the demons cower alarming.

For by the grace of her Heavenly Son.

All battles, she has already won.

An Angel of Peace

Please grant me a Cherubim or Seraphim because all in front of me is leaving my patience very thin, with calmness I still wonder where it’s been?

All these issues that I’ve been supressin and second-guessin, as I need St. Michael and all the armies of Heaven for a new intercession.

Ignoring and snoring through all that which could bring me to a new field however I just ignore it and continually yield.

Standing outside waiting to start my ride as I refuel at Seven-Eleven after praying a Meoleben, asking God to send the help of Heaven.

Asking to flip the deck of what card I’m in, however in every hand that’s dealt I know I’ve been given a guardian.

Unable to be fully comprehended but to be sent when I got problems, and take part to mend it.

Following us step by mis-step with so much pep to be with us on our trip and to guide us, even when we slip.

All that enrages us, you charge on the second it engages us.

With a swift move of silence against all that is wrong, being unearthly strong.

No need for boasting or posting, for this is a daily endeavor may our connection to you never be severed.

Taking us to new horizons, helping us to overcome our issues, and temptations. You despise them.

Push us to never be compromisin, helping us to embrace a new way and lead to our soul’s risin.

Sent from the King to help His children find their way back, how often we rely on you to help us out for the things we lack.

Protecting all around, as so many trials is what life may consist, you continue to push us to always persist.

With Divine Authority you come down to show us great glory to help us with our own story.

Let me never take you for granted or ignore you with rejection, for you were sent to me as Heavenly Protection.

His Mercy Endureth Forever

I used to think God loving me meant I needed to earn it.

Like a badge of merit so I could wear it.

Then yell it all over town to blare it and share it.

Seeing this was a silly and foolish way to ride.

Beneath all such false fortitude was just a way to hide pride.

Ignoring all the issues and wounds buried inside.

Looking back I could never do anything that compares to such love.

For I am not He who created all things out of goodness and love.

So many are my sins and mistakes.

They have rattled me more than a thousand million earthquakes.

Angry thinking so many harsh things were songs of His choir.

Not realizing these were ideas given to me by the liar.

Feeling trapped and stuck in the past and despair.

Needing some form of healing or any type of repair.

Out of all this still, He has reached out to save me in these depths.

To lift me up and teach me a new step.

Not leaving me alone to groan.

He emboldens the light to show me the way home.

Seeing that what He allows and wills are completely different.

Wanting to be closer to Him, I became a repentant.

The bad was never willed but allowed due to the fall.

Using this to bless and sanctify, to show we are all called.

Willing only good and the salvation of all people.

Unexplainable and unmeasurable is His love and compassion.

Calling us out of the grave and into action.

Knowing I could not comprehend what I needed or where I should go.

Just understanding I had to escape a place that felt so low.

To escape to somewhere new where I could actually grow.

With my car broken down, I needed a jumpstart and tow.

Looking past all my past faults and transgressions.

God still came down to take me out of this.

Inviting me to join in a Divine Procession.

For He Loves me more than I could ever attempt to.

Taking me where I am, to lead me to what to do.

After all this God still blesses me beyond measure.

The words He tells me goes much deeper than the letter.

He is never outdone in generosity.

Even when I broke away and sinned with great ferocity.

Denying Him and abandoning all I had been given.

He called me back in forgiveness.

Wanting to count me among those who embrace He who is risen.

He has breathed breath into our lungs to grant us to be living.

Help and love is all He has been giving.

Rejoicing with the rest of Heaven, at every single sinner who comes home.

Willing us to rejoice in Him together, not to do this alone.

Sending us saints and angels to help us through so many entrapments.

Following their examples on this theosis route.

Who have been through similar things and know what it is about.

By the grace of God they were able to get out.

So they come to our aid to help us battle temptation and doubt.

Gifting us sacraments and liturgies, to help us gain so much grace.

To make through all trials and issues, we He allows us to face.

Outdoing all other things ever placed on earth.

As the one true and righteous king.

For in Heaven from His throne, He rules alone.