The As If

realities sometimes are
taken for granted
relationships often suffer
from just that and
so it is with Faith
Hope and Love...

Sacred Scripture

Confession
going to Mass
Communion
Grace before meals

Sign of the Cross

Rosary
Commandments...
Love the Lord your God with
all your heart and
your neighbor as yourself
Jesus died and rose
the Gift of the Holy Spirit
you are My witnesses
proclaim the Good News to
every creature...

yeah...I know...God is Love...
how many times have we
heard that before?
so...what else is new?
ho-hum, what time's the game?...
work's a killer this week...

hey...what's going on this weekend?...
too many things to think about...
too many ingrained habits...
easier to 'go along' than to
'get going' even when
we call ourselves Catholic and 

'lukewarm' is too 'hot' 

a description for us

but....
What would my life look like if
I ACTUALLY LIVED
AS IF...
Jesus REALLY DID die for... ME?
He IS ALIVE and REAL and
LIVES IN ME and is
PASSIONATELY IN LOVE with me

and WANTS to have a 

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ME...
I AM a Son of God...
God IS my Father...
I CAN trust Him...
I DO have the Power of the Holy Spirit...
I actually DO HAVE His Gifts and He
WANTS me to use them...
Jesus IS REALLY present in the Eucharist...
He is ABSOLUTELY HOLY and I am not... 
He wants to USE ME to bring others to know Him
He HEARS ME when I speak to Him and
He DOES want to Speak to me...
He WANTS to ABIDE in me....
He wants to BEAR MY SORROWS...

He wants to HEAL my inner wounds...
He wants to LOVE others through ME...
He IS my joy and peace...
He IS my All in All...
what if I ACTUALLY Lived
AS IF it were ALL TRUE?
where do I begin?
how about I
ASK JESUS: how DON'T I live AS IF...

then Repent / Change my mind and

BELIEVE the Good News...and
BEGIN TODAY to Live AS IF.....
because.....
IT IS ALL TRUE!!

Reflection/Discussion:
-What practical things can you do to live each day "AS IF"?
-Where will you begin?
-How can you keep on living "as if"?
-Pray, act, speak, live "as if"...........
-Be accountable to someone.
-Join a men's/women's group of believers

The Denudation

not content
with the state of
our Intimacy -
an inability to
receive more
always much more than
we can process
the Spirit strips us of
our false securities
whatever is not
God Alone-
props for a
self-sufficiency
unfounded in reality-
through perfectly
tailored  trials -
storms that rage -
ripping away
treasured stabilities
one at a time but
sometimes
all at once
leaving us disoriented...
feeling alone / abandoned
by a faith depersonalized and
stretched beyond capacity 
causing us to yearn for a
relief that doesn't come on
our own terms
neatly protected
under tight control...  
we resist this
tearing away of
self's enthronement
without the light of a
clear vision or the
strength of our previous
self-confidence...
tribulations reveal
our hidden sins /

foundational weaknesses -
now front and center -

fruits of the world...the

flesh and the devil...
anger...
envy / jealousy...
fear / mistrust...
self-pity...
self-centeredness...
self-reliance...
self-will
pride that hides
our faults or wants to 

rebelliously hold on to them...

seeking comfort in the
flesh not the Lord

but a  New Way is proposed -
Dependence / Surrender -
because there is
nothing else that works...
a new-found trust
not tasted or touched
but only sensed
faintly
not all at once
but partially as
we seek Him
faithfully
day by day
yielding our desires
letting go of
knowing better than
Infinite Wisdom
we learn
unsought lessons
necessary for holiness -
a poverty of spirit
to begin with -
producing a tiny opening to
receive a river of
Power from above
rooted in a Love
stripping us of everything

but the Cross
The prime example 

to train us into
Patient Endurance...

Sacrificial Love...

the Sufficiency of Grace in
Courageous Surrender
bearing a Peace and Joy that
surpasses understanding
born through
the process of
Denudation

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is denudation?
-Why does this happen?
-Is this "normal" in the Christian Life? Why/not?
-What is "poverty of spirit"?
-Do you hide your true self? Why? How can that change?
-How can we support one another through this?
-How should we handle this when it happens?
-What is "Courageous Surrender"?

The Assumption

my shepherds

do not assume
that lines to receive
Me have first
received Me into
their hearts as
Lord and Savior
it is not so
few are disciples
who daily
seek My Face
worship My Presence
love Me above all
renounce sin
speak My Truth
trust through trials
suffer with Me
witness unto death
many have departed
from the simplicity
of the Cross
the call to repentance to
leave all behind
take up that Cross to
come after Me
do not dance the
dance of fear
nor intimidation to
speak My Word of
conversion of heart
all that fail to decide
have in that very fact
decided not to follow
and are in
eternal danger
My Grace is always
being offered
ready to be revealed
even to be rejected
My tears still flow for
My wayward children
entrapped in the lures of
the world
believing the lies of
the enemy
satisfied with the minimum
yet living for themselves and
whose faces
show up even
on Sunday
beware of the assumption
you are called to More

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is "The Assumption"?
-Do you think it is accurate? Why/not?
-What are the signs, since no one knows the heart but God?
-How can we help bring about revival in the Church?
-What about your life? Where do you stand?
-What is your calling?

The Promised

in the beginning

hovering over waters
out of chaos forming

elements into precision 

life into being

I was sent for
Creation's Splendor
then in time

Promised for
dreaming dreams  

seeing visions

speaking Divine Words by

Daughters and Sons

an outpouring for all
who Passionately seek to

drink deeply of 

Glory's Might   

yet for a while to
prepare the way

I was sent to a chosen few
charged with 

uttering the Prophetic 

“come back” to
My wayward people of
seesawing faithfulness 

again Promised until
at the appointed time

I hovered over the Anointed One

revealed as the Son

in a Baptism for an
eternal purpose and to 

speak Truths with a

Power beyond human reckoning

revealing a Knowledge of the Divine
proved by Signs and Wonders

until at last after 

Passion's payment
death’s conquest by
Resurrection's Revelation

and the waiting was ended by 

hovering Tongues of Fire
and a Gale Force

releasing fear’s bondage as
barriers were transcended

Holy Names of Glory
proclaimed in languages for all

freedom’s bestowal brought

the Promise to fruition

as much as each could receive 

freely offered with

miraculous Gifts of

Power to Heal
Deliver from bondage
Know the unknown
speak Prophetic Words
Worship in
angelic Tongues
live a persevering call

for combat above and
victory below
Strength through weakness

dying to self for
an Intimacy Divine to
Proclaim a Risen Savior

and Lord of All
New Life for all who respond
which remains

today's challenge for a
world enslaved to sin
but...Remember this...

a Gift left unclaimed
withers on the vine...

neglect and choice
leave Me untapped...

meager expectations only
restrain unlimited Power

so asking in faith is a
prerequisite for Grace to
release the answer

when knocking and

seeking to find  a
Power born of
Mystical Breath

yet after all is
said and done
be aware of this...
in your re-creation 

after years of tasting sweetness 

even as My Fire ignites your soul

touching you in depths unfathomed

with Gifts undeserved 

in Wondrous Signs

stirring Life to new heights
with Love-drenched

tears overflowing in
Intimate tenderness
taking you from
Glory to Glory into
Realms of Holiness

Beyond Imaginations...

still...
there

is

MORE...

Reflection/Discussion:

-How would you summarize "The Promised"?
-What does "a Gift unclaimed withers on the vine" mean?
-What are your expectations regarding the Holy Spirit?
-What do you believe about the Gifts of the Spirit?
-Are you seeking more of the Spirit? Why/not? 
-Practically, what can I do to "earnestly desire the spiritual gifts"?

-What is the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit"?

Heaven

beyond everything

I could ever dream

describe or desire

Heaven would have it
no other way

only an Infinite
all Powerful God

could Create
such a Reward that I
as a human being
so finite in my thinking but
so Infinite in my longing

would still be
so Exalted yet
so humbled by the

Otherness of it All

the overwhelming
Godliness of  Life Eternal
leaving me staring so
starry-eyed at the One

who Died and Rose 

for me so that I could 

be enveloped in the 

Mystery of the Father

Son and Holy Spirit with

all the Saints of History

and Angelic Hosts singing

in harmonious Praise 

so Joy-filled that the end is

Eternally beginning
Eternally new
Eternally Glorious

that words can only repeat

Love’s Intimate Repast

as sighs climax  the

Infinite language of Union
so breathtaking that
I can only revel in
His Enduring Embrace
what have I ever done to

inherit such a One

now seen face to Face?

nothing
not one thing

only Mercy begs acceptance

so agonizing in earthly life

now only a
vague distant dream
so worth the trials
producing a Purification
which then cried for relief
despite being too
Fruitful to postpone 

having been Transformed by

Grace-filled responses to life's
sometimes overwhelming challenges
where only Trust could barely
manage all the myriad blinds
offering no way out except
holding His Hand
now my
tears are dried

heartaches healed
fears removed
wounds mended

limitations eliminated
no more surrounding me
no more binding me

no more

now only
unfading Glory
lies before me

unending Joy

even overwhelming
imagination's

fantasies

.

Reflection/Discussion:
-Describe "Heaven".
-What is the "Otherness of it all" mean?
-How do trials prepare us for Heaven?
-Why was "holding His Hand" necessary?
-Where does Mercy fit in getting to Heaven?

-Is it easier to imagine Heaven or Hell? Why?

-How does thinking about the 4 last things help us now?

-Where does Purgatory fit-in?

The Way

one
there is only
One Way to
Eternal Union-
Holiness unbridled-
that Way is
death to self and

Life in Christ...
born into slavery to
ego's enthronement
we are sold out to
have our own way in life
self-will our idol
pride demands its
recognition often in
secret machinations
hidden even from ourselves
sometimes donning
professions of
heavenly desires- the
twisted deception of a
blinded human nature-
only Grace- received by

Our Savior's Gift-
reveals the Truth and
peals back the veil of
sin's deep wounding
only Grace enables us to
admit our inability to
overcome its twisted
tentacles entwining

layers of deception as to 

our dire need of rescue...

only Grace
received through Mercy
loosens the hold of
self-reliance cemented by
addictions to the false
security of transitory
tangible titles
personality
wealth
reputation
worldly pleasures
sometimes even
ministry
anything but
Jesus Himself

only Grace 

can pry our fingers off the
death grip on 
being-in-control to
being-willing-to-obey 

that He- not we- may 

be Glorified...that

we can now
seek Him alone
let go of this life-

so precious to us

for the Pearl of 

Great Price

leaving behind our

former selves
so restless by natlure-
to find Rest in
God Alone and so
the template of Calvary
becomes our
pattern of Surrender
"not My will but
Thine be done"
this can only be a
work of Grace
and a work in progress
a process of sanctification-

letting go and putting on

through trials / tribulations-

undertaken in weakness
recognizing that the
battle is within while
learning to depend on a
Power beyond our strength to

lay down our lives...
give ourselves away...
serve the other...
wash feet with His Love
by Grace Alone
day by day
come what may-
The Way to 

Everlasting Life...

Reflection/Discussion:

-How does the poem describe "The Way"?
-What was most meaningful about "The Way" to you?
-Where are you along "The Way"?
-What areas in your life are you trying to control?

-How do trials / tribulations sanctify us? Describe your experience.
-What are the areas in your life in which you experience your weakness?
-What is the Lord saying to you now? 
-Where can you get support to live out your Faith?

The Son

He was always there for me

our bond like no other
His beginning-
shrouded in Mystery-
was such a blessing and
so Gracious a Gift that
I could only humbly accept
He was always a joy
with a heart and strength like his father
but even when understanding was
beyond my grasp I knew
He was more
Divine than He appeared and yet
always so playful but also
oh so serious
with an intent and purpose
always beyond His years
presenting me with more to
ponder than I could ever fathom
still He could never refuse my requests
a little game we always played
which carried on even after He left home
but then His Anointing propelled 

Him into the desert and immediately

He began a journey filled with wonders and
words spoken with an Authority I
only had seen once before...still
I could sense a sorrow was coming
even if He had not said so Himself
though it was far beyond even
imagination's boundaries
I was not prepared for the
anguish that overwhelmed me
the sounds and smells
the brutality and degradations
but most of all the look
when our eyes met was
more than I could bear
the sword of sorrow
piercing my heart
came once more
when He said
His last words to me
echoing our past to
continue my mother's care

for the many souls to follow
I could only nod and look away
wondering how I could ever
get beyond my grief when
a final cry of surrender
was all that was left
'till I held Him one last time
while kissing His Face with tears
I tried to hope in His promise

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does "The Son" describe Mary and Jesus' relationship?
-What aspect of their relationship attracts you?
-Do you think "a little game we always played" describes reality? Why/not?
-How does this poem compare to "The Mother Mary"?
-What part does Mary play in your life?
-How can she help in your relationship with her Son?

The Gospel

the wonder of Grace
a Truth revealed
bestowed without merit
upon humanity by the
Cross of Christ
remains ridiculed
hushed to avoid
any hint of
judging behavior
this world's most
unforgivable transgression
relativism's reduction to
self-justification
eliminates wrongdoing and
where there is no sin
there is no sinner
no need of a Savior
where there is no captivity
there is no deliverance
where there is no vice
there is no virtue
where there is no guilt
there is no redemption
the Gospel of the sinless Lamb
Sacrificed for His flock
is relegated to a fairy tale
clothing the deluded
in garbs of
ancient myths
chivalry from ages past
mocked by the elite
bent on bowing before 
mirror's image
but evil
though denied
prospers everywhere
building upon itself
temples of deceit
justifying everything
in the name of
feeling's enthronement
where what I believe
is true reigns because
I say it is
but
truth is objective
not what we
declare it to be
feelings do not
determine veracity
reality does
identity is given
not created
nature is bestowed
not chosen
body and soul
are united in
one being
not separate
we are not figments of
imagination's creativity
made merely for
self-indulgence
slaves to our impulses

and this gaudy world's

extravagance
rather
revelation's testimony discloses
each is Created in the
Image of God with
freedom for Glory
favored with Dignity to share an
Eternal Union with Divinity
an Intimate Marriage of
person to Person
though fragile and imperfect
known and loved as we are
received through repentance
so let us choose to surrender
our hearts to Jesus as

Our Lord and Savior
the One who
formed us in the womb
died for our sins
rose to New Life
called us by name
given us the Power of
the Holy Spirit  to follow Him
liberty to live as
Sons and Daughters of the Father
to experience the
Love of Him who first
Loved us
healed and set free
from sin and the
grasp of the evil one  to
grow in holiness
persevere through trials
listen for His quiet voice 
share His Love with others
witness by our lives to the
One who is
Alive and Real
Faithful unto death

Reflection/Discussion:
-What does "The Gospel" say about truth?
-What does "feelings do not determine veracity, reality does" mean?
-How does "The Gospel" describe the Gospel? 
-What is the false image of the Gospel presented in today's culture?
-What is "relativism" and how would you refute it?
-Prepare a brief (5 minute) sharing of the Gospel.
-Prepare a brief personal testimony of how you became a Catholic/Christian.

The Healing

forever assuming
abandonment by
an uncaring Father

leaving orphan wounds

of mistrust / insecurity

when sorrow's arrow
stops turning
pointing to its target
in my heart
a recurring nightmare
of loss
disturbing daily life
without apologizing
for its intrusions
reliving yesterday's pain today
without the benefit of
tomorrow's perspective
despite the protest
from my soul
rebellious emotions 
squander faith's savings
only to discourage
an embattled belief
struggling to stay afloat
buffeted by turbulent seas of
unanswerable questions
rescue resounds
when Grace is released
through prayer's supplication
and a trusted shoulder of
the Man of Sorrows is
resurrected in my soul
bearing my burden
carrying my cross
soothing my sorrows
speaking
words of comfort
softly
relieving my ache
tenderly
knowing my frailness 
without remembering
my doubts
based on fear's
terrible fortune
only Sacrificial Love

can offer Mercy to 

offenders bringing 

balm to bruises while
overcoming heartache
with an embrace of 
never-ending assurance
providing relief
though only temporarily  
knowing that acceptance
ushering peace is
intermittent but
growth is ensured
healing measured

yet sustained   
despite
the challenge of
conflicted hope as

memories persist and

agonies fade 

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does "The Healing" describe dealing with loss?
-How can we let Jesus "bear our burden and carry our cross"?
-What does "the challenge of conflicted hope" mean?
-What are "orphan wounds"?
-What does "memories persist and agonies fade" mean?
-How does sharing with others help?
-How has your healing changed you?

 

Hell

 Fires of Hell?

 it doesn’t exist

 how could it?

 God is Love

 He wouldn't allow

 such a place to be
-a ridiculous myth of
 fear-mongering by
 over-zealous Neanderthal 
 control freaks
-who cares? I'll do what I

 want when I want

-this life is all that matters
-doesn't fit my belief system
-not worth thinking about
-probably not that bad
-no one's going there anyway
 everyone's going to be saved
-f bomb hell

but...
what if it exists because we

want it to exist so
we could go there?
just like in the beginning when
angels chose to be devils...
chose not to bow down to
anyone but themselves
what if it exists because it
most aptly defines who we are?
what if we wanted the
darkness and death of
sin's deceitful pleasures?...
Created with the
dignity of free will
would not God allow us to
freely reject Him
no matter what
the consequences?

refusing Love
choosing to live by
our own rules

we enthrone our
ideologies
passions
desires

as gods being
independent
self-centered

rebellious
entitled to be
worshiped / adored

all leading

back to a Self more
precious and deserving than
the One who 
holds the Keys of
Life and Death
where each is king
ruling kingdoms of
fantasy and bowing to no One
in this way
hell exists because

it is a reality of choice

a pattern of living death
centered around
some other thing
rather than the
Lord of Heaven and Earth
who offers Freedom
from the bondage of
inherited and
deliberate sin
received only through
repentance /
conversion of heart

a decision to give oneself
in mutual love and service

to the One who Died and 

Rose to bring us New and

Eternal Life but

when that is refused
we separate ourselves
from the God of Love
rejecting the Way 

Revealed in His Word 

embracing Self as 

all-in-all which is only

Justly continued and fulfilled

eternally after death
so then... Mercy's Grace
remains an Offer till the end
as does freedom's call for Justice
to all passing through the
Gates of Eternity
so... Choose carefully 

remembering 'not to choose 

is to choose' because

“wide is the gate and broad

is the road leading to destruction,

and many enter through it

small is the gate and

narrow is the road

that leads to eternal life

and only a few

find it.”

 Reflection/Discussion:
-What is the description of "Hell"?
-How is hell a "reality of choice"?
-Why don't we talk about hell?
-How do mercy and justice coexist in a God of Love?
-What does "conversion of heart" mean? 
-Do you think many people go to hell? Why/not?
-What does Scripture say about who goes to hell?
-What does the Church teach about hell?                              

Judgement

it’s over

only the Final Review remains

time has come to a stop

there is only the present

my "future" is to be judged by my past

death was but an instant

passing with a final breath

as quickly as light travels

now I must come before the Judge

the One who paid the Price for my
Salvation's possibility
He endured the
rigors of torment 

conquering death
offering New Life to
all who listened and
Chose to walk in His Ways

clearly written on our hearts by
nature's revelation and

Declared in His written Word...

my own response
now viewed only too clearly

began in childhood's fantasies
fervent imaginations
spurred by holy pictures
with rhyming bedtime prayers
laying me down to sleep...
teenage rebellion
loosened my footings
setting me upon wide paths
exploring delights
without pangs of deterrence...
career and marriage
brought a new seriousness
into perspective
children helped of course
somehow though
life got so busy
schedules
bills
marriage problems
job stress
kids in college...
my wife was always
the spiritual one
I would go to Church
but she took the lead
because she knew
I was never really
comfortable with it all
nor felt that connected but
I didn't fight it either

kind of 'go along to 

get along'...
I guess you might have
called me 'lukewarm'

but in my defense
I never really
heard what some people
have said was the
'Good News'
but I knew in the
back of my mind
that my Final Exam
would be on

what I have done
both good and bad and

what I failed to do

I guess

that is only fair and just-

upon what else could I be judged?

I guess I could have done

things differently but

I lived my life the way I saw fit

no one forced me to act or not act

and when I regressed
it was up to me to
change or not
who twisted my arm?

no one

who forced me to turn back or not?

no one

if I continued acting in the same way

who compelled me?

no one

the choice was always mine

it was always that way
for me and for everyone

whoever I am
I chose freely to be
now
it's over

now
it's too late to change
who I am

looking back

I did became more resolute
chose to try harder
but

sometimes
I went

back and forth...then

suddenly...
I died...

and now?

Reflection/Discussion: 
-Describe the man portrayed in "Judgement".
-Do you think his life is a common experience? Why/not?
-How could it have been different?
-What does "lukewarm" mean in this context?
-What would you say to help him?
-How can we make sure that everyone hears the Good News?
-Why don't we talk about the last judgement?
-Why isn't the last judgement talked about in Church?
-How can the last judgement impact your daily life?
-What is the Lord saying to you through this poem?

The Outsider

I walked away so...

I had no say...

I can't believe I did that...

she was my daughter

and I had no say

whether she lived or died -

how insane is that? -

it sucks...I was goin' nuts...

a lot of other guys wouldn't 

give a damn but...I did though

I wasn't in a place where I

could do anything about it...

her Mom didn't want me in her life

so I wasn't 'free' to save my baby...

I had no choice...so

I took the 'easy' way out- but

in reality it wasn't that easy...

I wanted to take care of my baby but

I felt like I had to back off....

I loved her Mom- especially after

I knew we were going to
have a baby girl...

it drove me crazy that

I could lose my baby...

I wanted to be a Dad -

I didn’t want anything

to happen to her...

I felt so responsible...

we didn’t expect to get pregnant...

we thought we were being careful

but things happen...

even in the best of circumstances

then when we found out...

everything fell apart

what I thought was a good relationship

turned out to be more one-sided and

finally the truth came out-

she was leaving me and

with her went my daughter...
her Mom was so confused...
depressed...

it was agony watching her

close the door

without even saying goodbye...

phone calls went unanswered

knocks echoed in an empty hallway...

what if she didn’t want my baby girl?  

what if she felt she couldn’t handle it all?

what if she couldn’t bear to
give our baby up for adoption?

my daughter would die and
me with her -

even though everyone says

it’s the mother’s choice 

she was my baby too but

her Mom didn’t care about my feelings...

I felt so powerless 
I tried praying for the first time

in a long time...
I begged the Lord to save her - to
help her Mom to
know I’d be there for her -

if He cared at all for my daughter

He'd save her...

if He was who He said He was 

He wouldn't let her die -

I begged... but...
silence was my answer -

only silence -

nothing more...

then... one day... I got the call...

it was over -

the deed was done -

my baby was gone...

I was numb...

I couldn’t say anything so 

I just hung up...

why Lord?

why did you let this happen?

if you are so Powerful... so Loving...

supposed to be the Lord of all 

why didn't you stop her from
killing our baby?

why didn’t you do anything?

my girl was helpless
just a tiny baby and
you let her be killed...

what is wrong with you?

if only I could have talked with her Mom...

if I could have just showed her

how much I loved them both...

I didn’t understand...   

I was really pissed...

and frustrated...

the why’s and 'if only's' kept intruding but

nothing resolved my questions-

no answers were good enough-

and in the desert

of my loss -

for months to come -

I could only weep and mourn for my baby

as I thought of

what could have been-.

the life we could have had together...

a life I can only dream about

and imagine...but then... sometime...

someway... somehow... I began to
have a faint and desperate hope

that I would someday

be reunited with my little girl...

it would be in heaven -

a redemption of this whole mess -

we would finally be united...

we would recognize each other -

see each other face to face... I 

would look into her Mother's eyes 

and I would hug my little girl...

kiss her...

pick her up and

she would screech in delight at

having her daddy

swing her ‘round and ‘round

toss her up in the air

and catch her

laughing / crying in joy...

knowing we would be together -

forever...

please Lord...
make it happen

someday

somehow
someway    

Reflection/Discussion:
-Describe the father's experience.
-How would you answer his protestations to God?
-How common is it for the father to regret an abortion?Why/not?
-What would happen if more men took responsibility for the pregnancy? 
-Why isn't adoption a more frequent option to abortion?
-Why don't we hear very much about fathers who do?
-How can that change?                                                               

-What is the hope for fathers whose child was aborted?

                                                                         

The Griever

the gift of life-

creation's marvel- is
Mine to give

intended or not by
those bestowed...

this daughter of Mine is

made in My Image

imprinted with My Likeness

sparked with My Eternal Flame

given a call to share My Love-

an Intimacy unmatched-

only hinted at by the
coming together of
man and woman in
breathless wonder 

she has
her mother’s eyes
her father’s smile

but also 

My Heart to serve

My Will to love

imprinted in her soul

precious in My eyes

intended for heroic mercy

destined to bring hope to the
lonely and defenseless

life was torn from her before

seeing the light of day or the
dawn of night

what was designed to be a
time of knitting together

was instead a
tearing apart

unborn by a choice-

not her own-

made by the one closest

yet furthest from her

innate desire to live

she was rejected with
unjustifiable cause

lured by songs of

freedom’s false face

though intended for harm

I make all things new

though left to die alone

she is nearer to Me than the
womb from which

she was wrenched 

though treated as refuse

she is My precious treasure

though rejection

leaves the temporal unfulfilled

she finds eternity waiting for her

in My arms singing
lullabies of Love

with tears of grieving

not only for her but

her mother as well for
each victim has died
one in body
one in spirit

having refused 

freedom's offering

ignored a
proven truth of life
yet

Love conquers for all who
hear and respond to
My Word of New Life

a new choice

by a Grace received

and a reality embraced

a turning away from darkness to

grasp the Light

an offer of salvation and a
forgiveness beyond hope

I hate the sin but
I love the sinner

so much so that I bore

her just punishment

by a sacrifice

without bounds

evil will find justice

unless a turning back is turned

by a heart choosing

unmerited Mercy over the
throne of self

but for now the result is the
cleansing of innocence

leaving only the promise of
healing and hope of

unending reunion

to those who
surrender in trust

Reflection/Discussion:
-How is God described in "The Griever"?
-What does the image of God "singing lullabies of love" convey?
-Why is the Mom a victim as well as the Daughter?
-What does "choosing unmerited mercy over the throne of self" mean?
-What does it mean that God hates the sin but loves the sinner?
-Why doesn't God just stop the evil of abortions?
-Whose responsibility is it to help stop abortions?
-What would you do if someone came to you for help?

The Regret

three

she would have been
three today
her deathday is the
hardest to endure
my thoughts race
remembering
that day as if were
yesterday when
she no longer
grew within me
my feelings were
so  conflicted
especially 
after I saw her image
but I felt so alone
cornered with
no way out
the people at
Planned Parenthood
encouraged me
that it was for the best
it would be ok
I could get on
with my life now
only I found out
I couldn't
I couldn't stop
thinking about her
that she didn't
have a choice in
all of this
her right to life was crushed
darkness began
to overtake me
I lost interest
in everything
if it wasn't for
my family I
wouldn't be here now
it was that way
far too long
then I heard about
a retreat called
Rachel's Vineyard
it was different
I found acceptance there
courage to face
my past decision
I experienced forgiveness
from the Lord
myself and
my little girl
it was almost like 
she was praying for me to
turn back to the Lord
surrender my life to
follow Him
wherever He leads                                                                                 
and slowly
things began to change
I  resolved to
help others not to
make the same mistake
to bring His Love where
heartache reigns
I still regret it all
but when it gets
most difficult
like today
I join my sorrow
with His
for other Moms to
save their little ones
still
I have a hope
that the Lord will
bring us together again
but this time
with open arms

Reflection/Discussion:
-Describe the Mom's experience.
-How common is it for women to regret their abortion?
-How does "The Regret" relate to "The Daughter"?
-How can some women NOT regret their abortion?
-What steps can a post-abortion Mom take to find peace?
-What part does forgiveness play?
-What is the hope offered in this poem?  Real or not real? Why?
-What can you do to support Moms who are thinking of aborting their child? 

The Centurion

duty called to oversee a

verdict fulfilled for One who

though recently received

with cries of exaltation

as the Messiah-King now 

was being self-righteously 

condemned to die despised... 

rejected... mocked and scorned 

then shredded and crowned with 

thorns in feigned adulation of 

the new King of the Jews who

then commenced a Royal 

procession to His place of

Enthronement as faces turned 

away from His appalling 

appearance while in silent 

Dignity He desperately crept- 

under what I now understand 

was the weight of the world's 

guilt- to His place of punishment 

there to perish in a spectacle of 

torturous death as Passover's

spotless Lamb who midst the guilty 

was welcomed by the din of 

haughty jeers impatiently clamoring 

for a miraculous sign to prove 

His claimed Divinity yet the

bedlam was overwhelmed by the 

stately silence of a Mother’s 

enduring presence which helped 

transform two hearts into One each 

bearing the other's burden without 

complaint producing a Conflicted

Innocence which nevertheless bore 

the sentence with Majestic Humility 

in an extreme solution for an extreme 

dilemma for One whose unrequited 

Love so freely bestowed seemingly 

found no home but mine and as He 

breathed His last Surrender darkness 

entered as Light departed and by 

pierced efficiency water and Blood 

entwined washing guilt away birthing 

a new conviction in me which fulfilled 

an ignorant need - a Revelation born 

from a Sacrificial Purchase - which

pointed me in a new direction as

reverent tenderness gently lowered Him 

from His Throne into His Mother’s arms

and while she caressed Him with final 

kisses and bathed Him with tears of 

mourning's dew I was left longing for

something more...

Reflection/Discussion:

-How does "The Centurion" make the crucifixion personal?

-Describe Mary's response.

-What does Mary's response tell us about how we can respond to suffering?

-What does 'Conflicted Innocence' mean?

-What does 'Majestic Humility' mean?

-What does 'an extreme solution for an extreme dilemma' mean?

-What does 'unrequited Love' mean?

-What was the 'ignorant need' of the Centurion?

-What was the "something more" for the Centurion?

-Describe what you have done to deserve all this.

- How does the Lord's Passion affect your walk with the Lord?

The Benchmark

at the end of
your life
when it's all about
to be over...and your
-money will
no longer matter
-next career move is
not going to happen
-challenging goals are unnecessary
-dreams will be undreamed
-words will no more be spoken
-familiar voices unheard
-when only the
past is present signifying
tomorrow's nonexistence
in this life... for...
that last day's task is to
remember
ponder
evaluate
the sum as well as
the parts of your life
what benchmark
would you use or
have others use
in this endeavor?
were you a success
or a failure...
not living up to your potential?
this gift of your life
passed on by particular
parents in particular
circumstances at
particular times and places
for X many years
in Y careers with
Z accomplishments
and multiplied 
relationships 
what did you do with
all those years...
measured on what
imaginary scale?....
the answer
if known now
how would that change things
if there was still time?
in reality
it matters not
what my standard is
nor yours either
for each one is relative
it is only
the Lord's benchmark
that is absolute for
He alone is the Judge - the
Source and End of all -
and He says....
His criterion is Love -
to Love Him above all -
wholeheartedly
faithfully and
not be double-minded 
then...
to Love others
in self-sacrifice
as He has loved you
only THAT brings the
true...good... and the beautiful of
your life into fulfillment and
worthy of honor in
heaven forever
so then...
that being proffered
do you accept it as
your personal benchmark?
and if so then...
how is that going?
and what are you
going to do differently
from this day on?
if unaccepted...and
think about this carefully..
all eternity is  at
RISK

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is the point of "The Benchmark"? 
-Imagine that you are the person about to die,
 do you accept the Lord's benchmark?
-If yes, how does that affect your life today?
-What changes do you need to make?
-How can you ensure the changes "stick"?
-If not, then what?

The Tribulation

from the beginning
the enemy has sought to
ensnare the Father's children by
deception's lure into the
darkness of rebellion's lair
attacking My Gift of Family Life...
idolizing selfish appetites by...
-pursuing conquests of the
opposite sex without
limitations of conscience nor
thoughts of lifelong commitment
-draping another with the
wounded mantle of
pride's many colors
tightly fitted with
self-professed adoration of

compulsive conquests 

-ensuring confusion's child of 
transitory genders that
cries for acceptance yet
does not accept their own

yielding only destruction

in their broken promises...
I Gifted each at conception
Redemption's bounty for hearts
paid-for with My Precious Blood
this provoked Satan's fury
against Me and all who
serve My Kingdom to bring
Love to the loveless
Hope to the hopeless
Life to the dying
Salvation to the lost
My journey embraced the
Via Dolorosa to the Cross as
witness after witness of that
Heavenly Kingdom's Gift
conquered that same darkness
within and without
by mingling
blood with Blood
heart to Heart
each pierced
throughout time to
encourage the fearful
strengthen the weak
embolden the timid
ushering victories
through losing acceptance
sometimes even life itself
Eternity's battle of tribulation
ebbs and flows and now
it comes for you to
share the Burden
bear Light into darkness
Salt to insipid souls...
though many fall away
submit not to coercion nor
threats of prohibition to
speak My Truth in Love
nor be deterred by
false accusations of
hatred and bigotry for
My Word brings Life to
those who hear and receive
but Death to those who
reject and rebel so
embrace your Calling and the
Strength of My Spirit for the
enemy does not rest and
many are succumbing to his
marketing treachery
in this you shall prevail if you
persevere in faith
trust in My Faithfulness
love with My Love
forgive your enemies
knowing that
I shall never leave you
nor forsake you
Go...

Now is the time to

Proclaim the Good News for

Eternal Life or Death awaits!

Reflection/Discussion:
-What are some of today's "deception's lures"?
-Describe "Eternity's battle of tribulation". 
-Who are some of past / present "witnesses" who paid the price?
-What signs of persecution are here?
-How do we prepare for the tribulation?
-What areas in your life need shoring-up?
-How are you going to accomplish that?  
-How do you "embrace your calling" in your life?
-Get support, don't be a "lone ranger".