The Quest

at birth each embarks upon

a Quest to find Happiness...

it is a Precious Seed of the 

Eternal which I have tenderly 

planted in your heart meant to 

germinate...grow... and ultimately

blossom in My Love ...it is a 

journey through joy and sorrow 

nurtured by desire's finite / infinite 

qualities seeking both immediate 

and ultimate objectives as your 

Thirst seeks satisfaction in the 

refreshing waters of achievement 

but ultimately in Me where Thirst 

is finally Quenched in Living Waters 

but because of sinful nature's darkened 

intellect and weakened will leading to 

disorientation in this fallen world 

combined with deceptive freelance 

feelings tossed to-and-fro by shiny 

objects that surreptitiously become 

humanity's false idols to pursue and 

ultimately worship - all that this self-

oriented world offers - success...wealth...

material goods...fame...power....beauty...

pleasures of body and soul - too many to 

even count - each having the common 

denominator of seeking the...

Perfect in the imperfect
Infinite in the finite
Eternal in the temporal
all of which remain powerless to bring 

anything except momentary delight but 

then frustration when the ambition 

attained only brings exacerbation with 

the under-whelming fulfillment resulting 

from exorbitant expectations and left with 

no other recourse than to commence once 

again the dance of delusion  - a cruel 

imitation of Sisyphus condemned to an 

exhausting uphill enterprise only to 

hopelessly watch his achievement 

backslide down the slippery slope... 

Satan of course is delighted with your 

treadmill imitation tempting you with 

imaginative dreams of greater conquests -  

more...always more....while gaining less...

always less...but Know that in this journey 

I will never leave you nor forsake you for 

I continue to speak to you especially in your 

frustration because My Hope is that in your 

misery you will be open to My offer of Grace- 

an opportunity to realize the reason for your 

emptiness and set out in a New Direction 

finally comprehending that it is only in My 

Perfect... Infinite...and Eternal Love that will 

ultimately Satisfy your lifelong Quest for 

Happiness...that only I will Truly Fulfill you 

and it is only in your Surrender to Me as your 

Personal Lord and Savior that you Truly begin 

to find the Total Joy that My Own Surrender has 

Won for you

Reflection/Discussion:

-What does it mean that our desires have 'finite and infinite' qualities?
-How do people look for the "Infinite in the finite"?

-Explain the story of Sisyphus.
-What does the "dance of disillusion" mean?

-What does our "fallen nature" mean?
-Using 'success' / 'money' as examples, explain "The Quest".

-How is Jesus' Infinite Love the Source and End of your Quest?
-What does it mean to "surrender to Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior"?
-What does "begin to find the Perfect Joy" mean?
-How has Jesus' Surrender won Total Joy for you?

The Father Wound

the father-wound
is a plague
all too rampant
among us
sadly most are
damaged by Dads who
pass-on their own
wounds through
sins of what they
do or fail to do
leaving us with
sometimes under-the-
surface feelings of being
abandoned / unloved
angry / alone / insecure
neglected / abused
leading us to look for
love and comfort in
places that ultimately
do not mend our hearts but
lead to deeper destruction
all of which delights
satan who makes it seem like
it's all our fault while also
deliciously contaminating
our self-image and that of
God The Father
without realizing the
transference of infected
characteristics and feelings
but... Jesus came not only to
save / free / heal us from the
effects of sin but also to
reveal His Father to us
because through Jesus
His Father has become
Our Father who has
Created us in His Own
Image and Likeness
and who FIRST loved us
through Jesus despite
our sin and weakness-
even while being rejected
He showed us that
His Father is
Tender
Merciful
Loving
Forgiving
Gracious
like the father of the
prodical son story
so...now what?
we need to
go after the Truth by
asking The Father to Reveal:
-any false images
 we may have of Him and
 ourselves and begin to live our
 True Identity and Dignity as a
 Son or Daughter of God
-His Personal Love for us
-by Grace forgive our own Dad of
 his sins againt us- one at a time
-give over our anger and hurt to Jesus
-realize how these have led into
 behavior / thinking that are
 not true / healthy and ask
 The Father to heal us
-get whatever help we need
 in this process
-begin to speak to The Father as
 our ABBA...Daddy.....because
THAT is the TRUTH...and
ask for the Grace to
accept in our hearts that
we ARE precious to Him
He DOES Love us and...
He WANTS us to live in
Intimacy with Him
Now and Forever

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is your image of The Father?
-What was/is your relationship like with your own Dad?
-How has that affected your own self-image?
-Spell out the truth/lies about The Father's image you have?
-With whom can you talk about these matters?
-If you haven't done so, speak to The Father in prayer.
-Ask Him to speak to you and listen for His quiet Voice.

-If you are a Dad, ask The Father to show you where you
      have sinned by what you have done and failed to do
      with your children.. Then, begin to repair. The Father
      will help you. Get help if you need it. 

The World

not the earth but
the sum of cultural
values
thinking
choices
behaviors
powers even laws
that are
opposed to God...
it is the
living out of our
fallen nature -
rebellious
self-centered
proud
sensual
basically full of sin -
orchestrated and
dominated by satan - the
king of this world - and
all who live under his

power and thus enemies of
The King of kings -
this is the atmosphere
in which we live out our
calling to be witnesses of the
Kingdom of God - thus
spiritual warfare rages
within and without
composed of many skirmishes-
opportunities to choose
between  rival kingdoms though
temptations often disguise
their true indentities in order to
lure us into minor
"turning aways" that
down the darkened path
can ultimately result in a
mortal "turning away"- a
victory for the losing side -
in such an embattled world
standing for the Truth of

the Kingddom of God
insures that we receive the
same hatred and persecution as
Jesus -sometimes the same
death sentence - but likewise 

that we also conquer with Him for
He has overcome this world
with all its might and corruption
our challenge is to bring the 

Good News of His Selfless Love 

and Forgiveness...Mercy and 

New Life in the Power of the 

Holy Spirit to a broken world...it is

Only by Grace that
true Justice can be attained...
Only by His Spirit can Truth be 

enthroned bringing Light to the darkness...

Only by Redemptive Suffering can
life's sorrows be ransomed...
Only by Supernatural Power can
our fragile nature be transformed 

and in turn Redeem our world
but even then we will be resisted 

unto death...so...how do we proceed?
we can begin now-today- to
seek the Lord first-
be faithful in our calling to
Love Him and one another in
authentic
transparent
vulnerable and

supportive relationships to
help win our common cause
while embracing the Cross to
entwine with  His
Passionate Victory by
accepting what comes in
living out our duties 

in each of our particular 

circumstances faithful to the Lord...

spending time with Him
learning to hear His Voice then
speaking His Word of Truth in Love
using the Gifts of the Spirit
He has bestowed upon us
but in all this
let us not forget to
find our true Joy and Peace
in the One who
First Loved us
Gave us His All and
calls us to be
in this world but
not of it...

Reflection/Discussion:

-Where do you experience the influence of the world in your daily life?
-What challenges do you have in living out your relationship with the Lord?
-Describe your prayer life.
-How are you growing in knowing His Word?
-What Gifts of the Spirit do you have?
-How are you using them?
-What supportive relationships do you have to follow the Lord?
-How can you develop authentic, transparent, vulnerable relationships?

The Obvious

look around
be open to
what you see
don't be enslaved to
what the world  thinks
it's not working
it never has
life without Jesus is
worthless
it is ruled by the
evil one...satan
you laugh.......
ridicule.......but it's
obvious....sin is
all around us and
in you...if you only are
honest with yourself
nothing in society is
truly life-giving unless
it is from the
Holy One
left to ourselves we
only take
only hurt
only want what
we want when
we want it
be truthful
be transparent
be authentic
be vulnerable
you need help
you are not superman
you are not self-sufficient
you want to be loved
you want to ultimately be
happy.... fulfilled... but
you know in your
inmost being that you
can't do it by yourself
now....know... that
you are loved...
as you are
already
without having to
be perfect
meet a gigantic standard
right now
as you are
Jesus died for you
as you are
He rose for you
as you are
but
He doesn't want you to
be stuck in your rut
He calls you to follow Him
into Greatness
into Peace
into Joy
into your True Identity as a
Son or Daughter of God
think about it....
what did you do to
deserve His Love
a Love that is Perfect
a Love that accepts you
as you are ....with all your
faults...weaknesses...
without r
don't you just want to
give yourself away to Him
give your heart to Him
give your very self because
you are so grateful...
it's free
it's just for the asking
it's just saying yes
do it
say yes
say ok...then...
receive and...
give back
not just to Him but to
each He gives you to love
then you will
KNOW

The Wound

humanity's original sin
has left us wounded...
divided within
from our conception
no one is unscathed and
though Baptism has
removed the stain of sin
its ramifications remain
each must deal with them
but most are ignorant
because it's wound is left
unspoken as if it is
assumed that
everyone of course
knows about it and has
taken steps to overcome
its consequences-
reality says otherwise -
intellects are darkened
easily deceived
wills are weakened
ripe for rebellion
just as Satan declared
'I will not serve'
making 'I' the center of life
creating proud idols to worship
pleasure - power -
success - wealth
feelings rule behavior
confusing right and wrong
while temptations lead us
even to do things we
don't want to do and
not do things we
want to do
it's called sin...
some more mortal -
spiritual life killing - than others
suffering and death are
now part of life
we were separated from
The Father who
nevertheless
reached out to us
through His Son Jesus who
took upon Himself
our nature with all of its
weakness and sin
put it to death and
conquered it all through
His Resurrection and
pours out His Power by
the Holy Spirit so
we can overcome our wound
it's called Grace...
unearned
undeserved yet
freely offered
why?
why wouldn't He
just be angry at our
rebelliousness?
continual failings?
ingratitude?
ignoring Him by
worshiping false gods?
why not just write us off?
Love.....only Selfless Love
but even more stunning is
His offer to
share in His Divinity-
in His very Nature-
the Inner Life of the Trinity-
simply by our yes
our decision to
accept His Love and
Love Him in return
we are still wounded
still weakened
still sin but we can
also choose to
ask forgiveness
walk the narrow path
follow Jesus as Lord and Savior
Love Him above all
depend on His Grace to
learn to love one another
give witness to His Mercy
accept and use the
Gifts of the Holy Spirit and
by His Power
become like Jesus
One with Him-
a transformation called
Holiness-
a lifetime journey to
an Eternal beginning

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does humanity's wound affect your life?
-Do you have false idols in your life?
-If so, how is that manifested? How can you begin to change?
-What does it mean to walk the narrow path, to follow Jesus?
-What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
-What Gifts do you have?
-How have you changed your lifestyle to follow Jesus?
-What else needs to change and how can that start?
-Where can you find support in your decision?

The Father

The Father's Identity is
many timesmasked by 

the difficiencies of
our own Dad...
too often we
have been wounded
sometimes seemingly
beyond repair
whether through sins of
commission or omission
compounded by the
lies of the evil one
making those offenses
feel deserved because of
our own woeful self-worth
nontheless
we are wounded
feeling abandoned
insecure
looking to be loved
accepted
even as we fight back
taking what affection we can
we try to make-up for the loss
by whatever means available
though the overwhelming pain
often remains hidden beneath
our ill-formed interiors
protected by our
well-manicured exteriors
yet only an unravelling
led by the Spirit can
begin to heal and renew
our True Identity as
sons and daughters of God
it is in letting go of
our false self
that one crying for recognition
scarred by offenses
disfigured by falsehoods
by allowing ourselves
to be Loved by the
Lover of our souls
the One who purchased
our Redeemption by
taking our sins upon Himself
revealing The Father's
Self-less Love
for each one while saying
through His Son:
'Come all you who are
heavy laden and
I will give you rest'
admitting our plight
accepting His solution
embracing the process of healing
with each 'yes'
breaking away from
patterns of behavior/thinking
that continue to reiterate
our false identity
leading down into the
Darknesss of self-destruction
we can begin to learn
how to live in Trust today
forgiving our fathers
and ourselves for sins of

commission / omission
we recognize that
we are not alone but
precious
secure
Loved
at home with
our Abba

Reflection/Discussion:

-Describe your relationship with your father.
-What is your relationship like with The Father?
-Do you find it difficult to trust others, especially the Father? Why?
-Talk with Him about it all.
-For what do you need to forgive your father?
-Remember that forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. 

 Ask for Grace to forgive and be specific. 

-How has the enemy lied to you about all this?
-Where have you looked for your self-worth?
-Get into supportive relationships to work through these issues.

The Healing

forever assuming
abandonment by an
uncaring Father
when sorrow's arrow
ends its journey by
finding its mark
in my heart
a recurring nightmare of
debilitating loss
disturbing daily life
without apologizing
for its intrusion
reliving yesterday's pain today
without the benefit of
tomorrow's perspective
despite the protest
from my soul's
rebellious emotions
squandering Faith's life-savings
only to discourage
an embattled belief
struggling to stay afloat
buffeted by turbulent seas of
unanswerable questions that
plague my spinning mind only to
grasp at a lifeline of rescue
when Grace intervenes
through prayer's supplication
leaning on a trusted shoulder of the
Man of Sorrows
resurrected by the Father to
bear my burden
carry my cross
sooth my wound
speaking words of comfort
softly
relieving my agonizing memories
tenderly
knowing my frailness
without remembering
my doubts based on
anxious imaginations and
terrorizing dreads yet
offering only Faithful Love
which overcomes heartaches
with an Embrace of
never-ending assurance
providing relief
though only temporarily
knowing that acceptance
ushering-in Peace is
short-lived... but cyclic
growth is ensured and ultimate
healing is assured yet measured in
increments of daily surrender to a
Savior who Loves to Save while
Trusting despite the challenge of
conflicted Hope

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 is your experience of healing?
-How is it similar/different?
-How does sharing with others help?
-How has your healing changed you?

The Glory

bowing down
without taking a peek
wishing I could do so but
I dare not because
I cannot bear the
sight of
His Glory
His Beauty nor
His utter Holiness
without feeling like
I would disintegrate
still
He bids me to
come into His Presence
why? how can it be that
He Loves me so?
He knows full-well that
I have failed Him
time and time again
I have not done
great things for Him nor
brought fruitful numbers to
Love and Serve Him
what have I done to
deserve His
Passionate Embrace?
His Kiss from the Cross?
His Spirit of Power and Life?
Nothing
it is All a Gift with
only a 'Yes' being requested
and yet...
even with my acceptance I
still cannot bring myself to
gaze upon Him without

humbly
acknowledging my
unworthiness...
non-the-less I shall
Worship Him -
The King of Glory
Mighty Lord
Risen Savior
Son of God
Prince of Peace
Lover of my soul
and accompany Him
into the Presence of
The Father by
The Holy Spirit
I weep in Joy only
Knowing that
I am Loved
Grateful  to
Be Here and
Give Him
All I am and

Hope to be...

Reflection/Discussion:

-What can we do to deserve His Love? Why?
-What is the Lord asking of you now?
-How can you prepare now to come into His Presence?
-How can you be accountable to grow in your Love and Witness?
-How can you grow to Praise and Thank Him in your daily life?
-Ask the Holy Spirit to take you into His Presence. Be still. It is He.
-Have you ever experienced His Glory? Describe your experience.

-If not, you will. There is MORE!

The Trials

trials are the power washings 

of your soul and that is why I

permit them...they push you 

beyond your limitations..
beyond your own strength /
coping abilities / endurance to

where discouragement - even

feelings of despair - turn your

focus inward to protect yourself

as the storms of life threaten 

your stability and expose your 

weakness of talent...character...

faith... hope... love in the midst 

of circumstances you cannot /

will not control and bring you to

humility's realization that you
simply need help and no longer
can do it all by yourself...that
you... need to change...are not 

easily transformed into Holy men /

women - sometimes resisting 

what you know in your hearts 

to be best for you... frozen by fear 

or stubbornly seeking your own 

will...even sometimes pursuing
deadly behaviors to satisfy fleshly 

desires or avenues of worldly quests
that enthrone the self in order to
build your own kingdom not Mine
these harden your heart to My 

Love and can lead you to turn away 

from My Light down into the Darkness...
I have so much More for you
than you can ever realize -
Realities of the Kingdom that 

I freely offer but many times are 

never accepted and though you 

may not understand the why's 

and the how's of this particular 

trial you are now enduring

what I am presenting to you is a
powerful opportunity to enter into 

My Passion which bore your
every sorrow...
every pain...
every doubt./ fear..
every sin by
uniting your trials with Mine
permitting Me to have My Way 

with you to lead you into My 

Tender Treasures that await you by...

Purifying you to become purely Mine...

Growing into My Divine Purposes to...

Think as I Think

See as I See

Hear as I Hear

Speak as I Speak

Love as I Love...

Surrender as I Surrendered
Depending not on your own
strength and natural abilities
but upon My Generous Graces

in the Holy Spirit so Freely Given
by the Father to Re-create you

into My Image and Likeness...so...
Stay close and Keep your eyes on Me...

Simply ask for what you need

Surrender yourself / circumstances to Me

Persevere one day at a time....

Praying...'Jesus, I Trust in you'... 

'Have your Way in me'...and.

My Spirit will Transform you into a 

Holy Disciple...

Faithful Witness...
Joyful Sign of the
Kingdom of Heaven -
your Eternal Home - after
all your trials have passed and
every tear is wiped away

Reflection/Discussion:
-What struck you about this poem? Why?
-What is your experience of trials?
-What have you learned?
-Are you going through a trial now?
-If yes, be open to share it with others.
-How can you support others in their trials?
-Reach out to them in prayer and presence

The Narrative Battle

Satan has a narrative
created specifically
for you
maybe
you don't understand it
you don't even know it exists but
you believe it
you live it
it is the source of
your pain
the basis of your unspoken insecurities
the reason why you may
doubt your worth and
look to trinkets or titles for
value and fulfillment or
live with sometimes
debilitating depression
irrational fears / anxieties
stemming from
wounds that stoke your
anger, resentment
even vindictiveness
robbing your life of peace or
fueling self-destructive behaviors
while stuffing
unresolved pain
together with
justification's unforgiveness
further down your
ever hidden true self
desiring a life of love but
silently harboring in your
heart of hearts the
naked calumny that
you are unloveable
otherwise why these
incessant feelings of
abandonment and rejection
zero self-worth
it all comes from the
lips of the evil one
temptations
lies
accusations
deceptions
all designed to achieve
dominion over your
thinking
behavior
relationships
pushing your "hot buttons"
towards your ultimate destruction
using the sins of others against you
whether of
commission or omission
then you interpret them
construing their motivations
letting your bitterness fester
deciding  to sin in vengeance but
now you open the door to
demons who
play their games with
your mind luring you
into the acceptance of lies
about yourself or others
and onto paths of
habitual sin down the
rabbit hole of annihilation
now they have you where
they want you
living in a web of deception
turbulent feelings of
confusion and disorder-
if only you were ...whatever...
you get angry at God
He should have done this or that
prevented such and such so
you take the
"I'll show you" approach
you rebel
take control of your life
live for yourself
do what you want
whenever you want
obsessed with things
always going your way
or...... be the victim
feeling sorry for yourself
living like you have to be perfect
then you will be loved
but you know you can't
so now you are
insecure and frustrated
always striving
always not quite getting there
always the "do-gooder"
always the one that can be counted on
always so "nice" but
fear and doubt
strip your success of joy
knowing you still have
so much more to accomplish before
you have truly proved yourself...
STOP!!!!!!!!!
STOP NOW!!
it is all LIES
you are already Loved
you are already Precious to
the Father
Jesus died for you because
He Loves you
you don't have to prove yourself
it's ok that you are imperfect
that's the point
He knows that
it's why He became
one of us
He Loves you anyway
He knows your weakness
that's why He
gives you His Spirit to
Empower you to change to
become the person He
calls you to be
He has a Purpose for you
your restless heart now
can Rest
so it all comes down to a
Relationship
His Love for you and
your love for Him
let TRUTH be the
narrative you live by
looking to Him for
Freedom from sin
Freedom to forgive

Grace to Love and

Be Loved
Power for
spiritual warfare and
deliverance
healing from wounds
long ago inflicted and
rooted in
powers of darkness
ask Him to reveal your
true identity- a
Son / Daughter of God
let Him tear down your
false identity
walls of self-protection
fortifications of lies
bringing them into
Light's revelations
renouncing their
power over you
embracing Truth's power
persevering through the
process of painful healing
opening yourself to
loving relationships of support
giving over your own
goals and desires
in order to
serve His Kingdom first
there is MORE for you
beyond what you can
think or imagine
begin today to
understand and reject the
web of lies
know the Truth
live in Freedom
embracing your
New Life...

Identity in Christ -

a Precious

Child of God

Reflection/Discussion:

-How does this poem relate to your experience?
-How have you been wounded by other's sins of commission/omission?
-What lies have you believed about yourself or others?
-Make a list of people who have hurt you, take them to prayer, repent where you have to repent and      forgive them-verbally-  remembering that forgiveness is a decision not a feeling.
-What is spiritual warfare and deliverance?
-Find out about the "Unbound Ministry".
-Where can you find support for your journey to healing?











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1. 
   

The Identity Issue

who are you?
the world -
that which is at
enmity with God -
tells you your
identity resides in your:
sexual preferences

gender decisions
transitory feelings
job / career

bank account
fame

trophies
material possessions
influence
power
physical appearance
talents
but.....
is that really true?
we search...are
looking for.....what?
what makes me..ME
in reality
each one of us is
wounded:
born into original sin
with darkened intellects
weakened wills
self-centered tendencies

attractions to evil

in a word: sinners
then as we grow up
we encounter the
sins of others...including
our parents' sins of

omission or commission -
inflicting wounds in our
tender hearts
even in the best of families -
then we respond
out of our own interpretations
with our own sins of
omission or commission
then the evil one - and
yes he really does exist -
who originally led others to
hurt you 
lies to you about....you...
your issues...value...defects
mostly that you are
unlovable
nothing special and a
loser....otherwise...you
wouldn't have been treated that way or

feel the way you do and that
leads you to look for your 

identity / security in exterior 

things or inward feelings...something...
anything to feel special...
important....lovable...and
not alone...always 
needing to feel wanted

needing to prove yourself
all the while combating the
feelings of rejection whether from
others or yourself
with the logical results of
confusion
loneliness
self-pity
anger
rebellion
self-absorption and
any or all supposed
thinking / behavior -

decisions / vows - that
brings you relief and that
feeling of being happy
but all that is NOT the
TRUE YOU
yes, they are what you
hang your hat on....but
you are more than
all those things put together
you are the Beloved
Created to share...Intimately...
in the very Nature of God
you are formed by the very
Personal Decision of  the Father Himself
to be His Adopted Son or Daughter
to experience His Love
to cherish the realization that
Jesus - the Father's only begotten Son -
suffered extreme torture -
a horrible, unjust death -
stripped of all dignity
why?
for YOU...to take your

sin and its just punishments 

upon Himself because
you are worth it
you are special
one of a kind and
He Loves You Passionately

with all your weaknesses / sins
but doesn't want to leave you there

He has MORE for you...
so...
don't believe the lies
don't follow the world's thinking
don't settle for less
don't look elsewhere because
you won't find
your true self or happiness in
feelings or externals
but only in THE TRUTH:
YOU..... ARE....HIS.... BELOVED!
you can receive that Truth by
receiving Jesus....so....
just ask Him to:
reveal Himself to you.
let you experience His Love for you
forgive you
come into your heart
be your Lord and Savior to
find healing and freedom and
thrive in that Identity
now and forever

Reflection/Discussion:
-How have you been wounded by others?
-Begin to be free by forgiving. Ask for the Grace.
-What have you hung your identity on in the past?
-Reject the lies in the name of Jesus.
-Ask and find support in your new life.
-How can you make the time each day to pray and read the Word?

The Word of the Cross

the Way of the Cross is
the Way of Love
in the laying down of
your will and your
very self that brings
My very Life to you
it is in Loving others that
you Love Me and
are conformed into
My Image and most
become One with Me
there to find the Joy
you were
born to bathe in the
Blood of My Cross
for others
so do not run away
nor hide from My Cross
but rather
embrace it with the
Grace I freely offer you
I know your weakness and
need for My Strength
all are born into frailty
daunted by trauma's potential
even resisting the hardship of Love
that is why I freely offer
My Spirit of Power for
Courage and Persevering
Trust in the midst of Suffering
All  are yours for the asking
the Way of the Cross is
the Way to Eternal Joy
it is the Way back to
the Father
so Come with Me
bear My Cross with Me
let us Till your fertile ground
Sow
Water
Reap the Harvest of
My Saving Cross
Together

Reflection/Discussion:

-Where is the Cross in your life?
-What strikes you about this Word?
-How does loving others bring the Cross into your life?
-How do you feel about suffering in your walk with the Lord?
-How would you relate to others in their suffering?
-How would you encourage them?

The Whisper

He is speaking but
are we listening?
or rather
do we even care?
too much interference
preoccupations
responsibilities
interests
social and financial goals
problems at work or home
or both
so little time to
do so much
it's easy to say:
at least I go to Church
well, sometimes or
maybe when I'm
pestered to go or

feeling a little guilty

for not going in a while
but I don't
get much out of it anyway
so why torture myself
let my wife take the kids
that'll take care of it all...
then... reality strikes a discord
whether it be
sickness / crisis
job loss / lay off
affair / divorce
injury / death
any one or combination
to learn that
life is fragile and fleeting
many times unstable
with heartaches and sorrows
as unwelcomed invaders
things change
sometimes drastically....
so now, I'm listening but
don't hear anything except
echoes in my anxious mind
stability fades away
searching ascends while
darkness descends
only to find that
control is a fantasy
so is self-reliance and
in the end bring only
insecure self-absorption...
it is solely surrender that
opens my heart to
know the One who
gave Himself up for me
in an Encounter that
changes everything
He is Real and Alive
and Loves me
so I decide to give myself
over into His Hands

Ask Him to be my 

Personal Lord and Savior
to Take up my Cross 

Follow and Serve Him 

Always and Above All

for His Love is always
reaching out
the First to speak
actively not passively
with longing not indifference
deep within
piercing my defenses
resting in my soul
only then to recognize
His Whisper

Reflection/Discussion:

-Do you take the time to listen to the Lord?
-How can you practically do that?
-How do you discern if it really is the Lord?
-How does Sacred Scripture help you discern His word to you?
-Talk about this with someone who prays each day.
-Join a support group of fellow disciples of Jesus.

The True Intimacy

though unnamed
nor identified yet
so easily assumed but
so likely undeveloped and
more-often-than-not
un-attained
True Intimacy
beckons us from within
like a soft whimper
lost in the loneliness of night
longing for love
yearning for completion
while telling no one-
even your spouse- of
your emptiness and
desire for more
while you settle for the
status quo despite
vain pledges of
affection smothered by
colliding schedules
self-sufficiency delusions
self-fulfillment dreams and
self-protective habits which
drive you into
self-absorbed fantasies
and semi-acceptable losses
descending into desolation-
alone... wounded from
long ago..vaguely.aware of the
consequences but not
the source and questioning
what happened?
how did we get here?
is this all there is?
what do we do now?
but ...all is not lost because
Grace is always already offered
and can intervene if
we... seek and ask...
are open to
Love's Reality who can
redeem our forlorn
condition when we are
washed by Water and Blood
from His pierced side...
renewed by the Spirit
we willingly open ourselves to
knowing and being known
accepting humility's
confession of failure
giving and receiving forgiveness...
committing to change by
guaranteed Grace....willing to
get whatever help is necessary...
step by step
beginning with authentic
self-disclosure-not hiding
or masking my true
thoughts / feelings but
transparently communicating
what is really going on inside
thus being vulnerable-not
self-defensive / protective  but
making the decision to
willingly reveal our true selves
because we are willing to
pay-the-price to attain the prize
by embarking on the journey into
the promised land of
I and Thou...
Husband and Wife
Brother to Brother
Sister to Sister
a willingness to risk all to
love-as-I-desire-to-be-loved...
a foretaste of Heaven's
Perfect Union...
courageously accepting the
possibility of
getting hurt or
being rejected yet
surrendering to a
healing process of
Divine Transformation to
live out our actual selves in
True Intimacy

Reflection/Discussion:

-What comprises true intimacy?
-What does it take to initiate true intimacy?
-Do you have true intimate relationships?
-Why? Why not?
-What prevents you from attaining that?
-How is this a "healing process"?
-Do you have an intimate relationship with Jesus?
-How can that happen?

The Imitation

If you desire to
Follow Me
Love Me
above all...I Call you to
take up your cross and
embrace your mission
with Determined Passion since
My Way is not for the
faint of heart
nor the slothful self
bound to pleasure and

self-fulfillment in this world for
I handed My Body over
that you may gain the
same victory over
death's dominion and

sin's slavery and with Me
gather an Eternal harvest by
Mercy's Donation...
your imitation of My Sacrifice by
your death to self 
requires handing over your
will for Mine...all 
plans...preferences...
egotistical agendas for
Love's discretion - even
self's pride / interest to
wash wayward feet in
humble service -
it is a daily martyrdom
deliberately chosen with full
knowledge and consent...

it is the Via Dolorosa to 

Calvary's Enthronement but

ultimately leading to the
empty tomb
Robed in Glory...Forever!

Now it is for you...

Filled with My Spirit and

Bathed in My Presence...to

Manifest by Love's Sacrifice 
My Image within

Reflection / Discussion: 

-What is necessary to live a life of sacrifice like Jesus?

-How can we attain those elements?

-What is the Via Dolorosa?

-Find a support group to 'walk the Via Dolorosa together.

-What in your life needs to change to walk the Via Dolorosa?

-Start with one area and ask the Holy Spirit to make a plan. 

The Yearning

time lends itself to fathoms

even before its own end surrenders

earthly limits have eternal desires

revealing the longing for
something more than limitations... 

appetites without lasting satisfaction

ends without barriers

even a beginning without an end

then without notice or regard

life impinges our assumptions

pushing questions into our consciousness

why’s douse the flame of un-reflective mania

pushing us beyond daily routines when

emptiness begins to fill us and

limitless waves of  needs / desires 

keep rolling-in to our inner shores

without the hint of fulfillment yet

are real...intentionally intimate

promises planted Divinely in

the innate recesses of our hearts

death’s finality and injustice

leave all seeking more than
life could possibly give

pointing to questions posed incessantly

some finality to seeking unspoken...

unwritten passions for a purpose...

some sense for the illogic of life

where did my journey begin? certainly

not in the limits of sources known

but in a perfection beyond sight

planted in the fibers of my being

in depths beyond knowledge

how soon will seeking cease?

what will be left undone...unfulfilled?

is life destined to the constant slavery of circles?

nature yearns for super-nature

being points to super-Being

time to timeless

temporary love to everlasting ecstasy 

where my limitless longings
can find rest

in a never ending

joy beyond imagination's fantasies 

so meaning’s questions negate busyness

if listening is at all a value for

if all there is lays in sight
though beautiful
it fades just as winter comes and
takes the crown of colors to loss

the cries of today fade to whispers

when tomorrow dawns yesterday’s sleep

without a satisfactory ending while
caught in recurring dreams

finding our endings empty

we are most to be pitied

we ache to
live forever
find completion

for our longings
yearning beyond the
daily filling and emptying cycle of basics and passions to

find our true end beyond ourselves in the

hidden realms of our beginning

a Source for what is...

for who I am and destined to become

a Creator yes but more than a

logical Source of Reality

beyond reason’s visible conclusions

where only Revelation can enlighten that

the Supreme Being is our Abba Father
who Himself is revealed by
His Son the Savior whose
Self-sacrifice is our
initiation into a Reality inspired by 

seeking Union without end

a shared existence of evermore
dreams turning into a progression of
Passionate / Intimate encounters 

melding into an Eternity of Fulfillment

and I and Thou become One...Forever

Reflection / Discussion:

-How does your experience of life concur or differ 

 from the portrayal given above?

-Why? How? Give examples.

-Without Infinite Love, how is longing resolved?

-How do you embrace the invisible?

-How does seeking the Infinite in the Finite work out?

-How does sorrow / loss / pain fit in to all this?

-After achieving a goal in this fleeting life, what then?

The Abandonment

letting go of
treasures long revered as
good and holy ideals
yet rarely
spoken about
though each
cut to the chase of my
need to control
according to
my own desires
my own will
for my present and future
my "who's who" of identity
too much of me
not enough of Thee
repentance bears the
message of peace
borne in sorrow
as forgiveness is received
when
Jesus is my Lord
He saves me from my idolatry-

making ministry my 

'be all and end all' 

the proof of my value but
my life is in His hands
I know He Loves me and
has a plan for my life but
I can't see it right now
there is no clarity and
hasn't been for
oh so long...
when questions about my past
aren't answered
when I don't understand
I can only surrender
not once but
incessantly in weakness
despite my questions
Trust is the issue -
a Faith beyond my abilities 
a Grace unearned yet gifted 

while storms buffet the
foundations of my life
all the more does
His Love fertilize 
my love to grow 

as trust is enriched 
by seeking Him alone
as my All-in-All
my only Life
my only Hope
my only Joy
received in
Thanksgiving
day by day in
abandonment to
His Loving Presence

Reflection / Discussion:

-What are the main issues in your faith life?

-What is the Lord teaching you?

-How are you responding?

-What support system do you have?

-If none, seek one that you are comfortable with.

-Don't try to live your faith life alone.

The Gracious Gift

beyond measure
Mercy's Gracious Gift
uplifts our weariness
like wings in
unseen drafts from
Love's embrace                                                                                             
intuitively knowing
it is all unearned
even when we
creatively initiate Contact
we are merely responding
to His Actual Movement
He is the
-Giver
-Leader
-Savior who saves
-Lover who first Loved us
it is His Will we obey
His Direction we follow
His Power we use
His Love we give
His Mercy we offer
in hope-filled anticipation
spreading our wings
confident that
we too shall soar
that Love surely
comes as the dawn
even though we
sometimes linger with
darkened emotions
battered by storms
often beyond our control in
tests of Trust
as those who languished
between the Crucifixion
and the Resurrection
waiting
longing with
questioning expectation
unable to figure it all out
Grace
a Mystical Balm and

Power to ascend
assured by
His Sacred Word
learned by repetitions
that we truly can
rely upon the One
who Lives within
a Force  without
limitations
yet Gentle in offering
an immovable Rock
upon which to
build His Kingdom
not ours
humility's requirement
removes the
bravado of self-reliance-
a deception of our enemy-
rooted in the pride of life
reluctant to let go our
reins of control to the
One who Surrendered all
for us so that we too
could walk in a Freedom
secured by Grace
freely offered
beyond measure

Reflection/Discussion:
-Are we offered Grace if we don't ask for it? Why/not?
-Where in the Gospels do you see Grace offered?
-How does self-confidence relate to Grace?

-What are the challenges in letting go the reins of control?

-Is Grace "felt"? When/why/not?
-What are the hinderances to Grace?
-How do feelings help or hinder our response to trials?
-How can we cooperate with Grace in midst of trials?

The Magis

dissatisfied with the lesser
Craving the Greater

you sense something different...

something... more...out there...in

uncharted territories but nevertheless

drawing you...challenging you to

venture into the unexplored...

unanswered...which you simply

Know...in your heart that He is 

Moving / Calling you to go

further in....higher up...
beyond your present circumstances...your
estimated boundaries of likely possibilities...

it is a New...Unfamiliar Way of 
fiercely stepping out...determined to

Follow Whatever Direction is 

Opening before you- no matter its

undiscovered nature...nor its seeming

impossibilities -  but it is rooted in

Grace's Infinite Possibilities...its
ongoing Power of Transformation...a 

Dependency on the Supernatural... 

beyond this world's mortal strengths 

or horizons...an Assurance of Being 

Equipped to Accomplish the Eternal

Mission / Vision of the Master whom 

you desperately...vehemently pursue...

spurred on by the Spirit to Seek Him...

His Will to be set apart for His Purposes -

to bring His Love... Mercy... Compassionate

Saving Word to lost souls...tortured by sin...

enslaved by their passions...living-out the 

deception that this world will bring them 

the fulfillment for which they yearn-a 

fanciful utopia of temporal happiness- rather 

than the Kingdom of Eternal Peace and Joy 

that only Jesus can bring by His Death and 

Resurrection for our sake which we then 

receive and emulate by laying down our lives 

for Him so as to fulfill His Mission.to Bring 

His Word... His Kingdom to the ends of the earth...

it is only in Seeking the 'Why not's' of His Infinite 

Capabilities that you can experience the 

Extravagance of His Power and Love which 

surges forth from His Victory over Death and 

the Anointing of His Holy Spirit with whom

you have entwined yourself...His Mission

is now your Mission...your daily burden to go

higher up...further on...deeper into
His Passionate Purpose to bring...
Mercy to the sinner
Light to those in darkness
Healing to the wounded
Meaning to the seeker
Life to the dying
Love to the forsaken
Vision to the blind
Freedom to the enslaved

Glory to His Name
indeed... there are 

Greater Needs
Greater Challenges

Greater Goals

out there requiring even
Greater Desires
Greater Visions

Greater Efforts...beyond the

confines of your experiences...
purview of your meager understanding...

what you formerly thought was 

unthinkable but now the "what if's"

of Infinite...Creative... Boundless 

Love is More,,,much much More...

Higher...Wider...Deeper...

than you can Imagine or 

Dare to Dream about...where

greater obstacles merely mean

Greater Overcoming...

so then...with your foot raised
ready to proceed
detached from your own
former ways
familiar fears

narrow expectations
limitations of vision

deficiency of strength

Relying on His Power...

Word...Grace...Spirit
unfettered from
this world's allurements

its enthronement of self through

power...pleasure...prestige 

poised to creatively

compete for the Prize...
win the Eternal Race of

Light v Darkness

Truth v Deception

Good v Evil

Holiness v Sin

Life v Death

Heaven v Hell...

God v Satan...as you 

Now Give Him your heart...

mind...soul...strength..

Fiercely Declaring...'Lord... I will

Live for You Alone..

Have Your Way in me'...as you

you are Knighted with the

Sword of the Spirit and thereby

Accept your Heroic Calling of

'Magis' 

Reflection/Discussion:

-Read about St.Ignatius of Loyola, the saint famous for 'magis'. 
-What does "Magis" mean?
-How could living by "Magis" change your perspective?

-What limitations are you called to 'put aside'?

-How do you do that?
-How can "Magis" affect your prayer life? Service? Marriage? Work? Evangelistic outreach?
-More...there is More....do you want it?  What will you do to get it?
-What does 'fiercely declaring Lord I will live for you alone' mean for your life?
-

The Seduction

turning away from
nature's self-evident reality
God's innate plan for
human sexuality as is
plainly shown in
our physical bodies
from the beginning
turning towards
Satan's seduction by
attempting to
mend the
unhealed wounds
from humanity's
fallen nature and a
father-affliction
meeting unfulfilled needs by
assuming a
false identity
unfounded at birth but
nurtured by
sin's rebellion
fondled by pride's
notoriously destructive
propensities whereby
compulsive desires overpower          
creation's truths which
flourish and sustain life
while proposing
risky lifestyles which are
not only unhealthy
as well as
objectively disordered by
deviating from the
Creator's  purpose for
human sexuality
but also are
presented as
progressive enlightenment
to which all are
expected to bow down as
idols of a
radical social utopia where
tolerance and
emotional safety are only
tools in the war against
religious liberty
rational family values and
society's established norms
where free debate is an
unwarranted option when
social engineering is god as
young minds and hearts
become fodder for
The New Culture
a captive audience
ripe for indoctrination
ready for grooming
primed for confusion
where true is false
false is true
right is wrong
wrong is right
no one can dissent
no one can object
all must submit
without a peep or the
demonizing hammer
will be unleashed
at the so-called
bigots and haters of  the
so-called
persecuted minorities
Christian morality is
portrayed as
no longer relevant
moral even Christian and
relegated to the
dregs of bygone centuries
but know this:
it is not out of hate but Love
that speaks the Truth in Mercy
offering Freedom
bringing Holiness  and
Wholeness to
those who are
willing to
turn to Jesus
forsake sin
receive forgiveness
claim their true Identity as
Sons and Daughters of God
experience they are Loved for
who they are in their
inmost being
live a New Life
be clothed in the same
Chastity to which
all are called to
take up the cross
follow the narrow way in the
Power of the Spirit for
Strength in our weakness
bringing as many as possible
to know the
Fulfillment and Joy of
His Personal Love

Reflection/Discussion:
-How can we grow in understanding God's plan for family life?
-Try to explain in a few sentences, in your own words, His plan for family life?
-Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 2331-2391
-How does satan's seduction come into play?
-How does our physical bodies evidence God's plan for sexuality?
-Suggest to your parish priest to talk about this topic.
-What is the basis of our identity?
-Is homosexuality a healthy lifesytle? Why/not?
-Is disagreement with someone's lifestyle "hateful"? Why/not?
-How are single/married people to live lives of Chastity?

The Unveiling

Behold
The veil is forever lifted
For the redeemed
So we may enter into
The Holy of Holies
To offer the Passover Sacrifice
In sacramental thanksgiving.
Now we are no longer separated
From the Great I AM
But come face to Face
With the revealed Abba Father
And with the Lamb in Glory

By the Power of the Holy Spirit
Surrounded by the hosts of Heaven
Crying Holy...Holy...Holy is the Lord
Not just for some
But for all who accept the call
It is the marriage feast of the Lamb
With the Bride of Christ
Sealing the New Covenant
By our Communion
With the Body and Blood
Torn and shed that we may be holy and one
Free to worship without fear
To become an integral part of the
Offering of the Perfect Sacrifice
By the hands of the Perfect Priest
Each one and the same
Behold
The Lamb of God
Slain for our sins
Now as Bread and Wine
On the altar of sacrifice
In the new Temple
Of the heavenly Jerusalem
Here we encounter the Presence
Who surrounds and fills us
The visible sign of the invisible Reality
By our acceptance we declare
That it is the Word of God
We believe and follow and so with pause
Receive also as Judge
When He comes again
Riding on the Clouds
Behold
Let our Family's sign be crossed with care
For it shows who we are
And the Mysteries we celebrate
Let us listen with open ears
To the Truth of our Covenant
And resolve to live as we profess
Let us offer with open hearts
All that we are
Mixing with the water and wine
Our sacrifices with His
Let us worship in Spirit and Truth
With reverence and awe
The Father through with and in the Son
Let us humbly receive the consummation of Love
We are so generously offered -
The heavenly Manna for our earthly journey
And shout with all the saints and angels
The Great Amen...yes
So be it!

Reflection / Discussion:

--Explain, in your own words, what happens at Mass.

-What is your experience at the Holy Sacrifice?

-What are some things you can do to prepare for Mass?

-What are some things during Mass that can enhance your experience?

-Do you stay after Mass for a time of Thanksgiving? 

-If not, try it out. 

The Holy One

finding myself
unprepared
ill-equipped
ultimately unworthy yet
ushered into
His Presence
I could only
fall upon my knees
burying my face in
my arms at the
Magesty of
His Holiness
humbled by the One
whose Perfect Love
was beyond the
limitations of my humanity to
comprehend
nothing in this earthly life
before or after
compared to or explained
such a Reality
still
it captured a familiar longing
planted deep within and
long ago at my second birth
but now finding fruition
as a fulfillment of the
hidden Divination in myself
yearning to blossom
though never fully realizing
what that meant nor
that it was even missing
speechless
I dared not peek
I could only Be there
settling spontaneously into
silent adoration
receiving an acceptance
without compremise
apprehension or effort
recognizing in His Presence
an undeserved Love
generous in Giving
rich in Mercy
pure in Joy so that
I never wanted to
leave Him
have nothing past or future
but only now
beginning to realize that -
though not always perceived -
He is always Present
it is only I who am absent
forgetting His Love
off into my own world of
self-centeredness
self-importance
busyness
my own little kingdom of
false gods into whose
presence I rush headlong by
momentary excursions into
illusions of fulfillment pursuit
or anxiously emersing myself into
this world's daily needs
interests or proclivities
sometimes good and
begrudgingly necessary
but never reason enough to
remove myself from His Presence
now I need to constantly
remind myself to
know that only
One Thing is Necessary-
to Be... in the Presence of
The Holy One
there to find my
Alpha and Omega
my all in All
my True Rest
Yes Lord Jesus
Yes

Reflection/Discussion:

-Do you have a reverential sense of God's Holiness?
-Why/not?
-What can you do to show your reverence to the Lord?
-How can Eucharistic Adoration increase your reverence?
-Do you reverence the Name of God/Jesus? How?
-What can you do when others disrespect the Lord in your presence?
-How can you show reverence in your personal prayer?
-How can listening to Christian Worship music increase your devotion/reverence to the Lord?

The Chance

suppose
you don't
really understand
what the big deal is
about Jesus but
you think you do...
you vaguely
remember when
you were a kid
preparing for your
First Confession
First Communion
then later
Confirmation
they made you go to Mass
even your parents who
didn't always go
made you go all the time
'till finally
they stopped forcing you
because of all your pushback
nobody else was really into it
so why should you be
the only one?
then came College
and it was
craziness personified and
God wasn't even an issue
now...
it's the stress of  trying to
get a job
then... a better one...
bills to pay
relationship challenges
while adjusting to the
responsibility of
our first child coming soon
meanwhile...
sometimes in the
interruptions of life
thinking back on my history
and questioning
what if
there WAS something more there
than I realized?
what if
Jesus WAS who
He said He was?
what if
it was ALL TRUE?
some of my fellow workers
seem to experience
more than I ever did and
have something I don't have
they talk about Jesus as
someone Real and Alive
who loves them and
they love Him
strange...
it's hard to understand
but...
when all is said and done
I'd like to have what they have
they seem pretty happy
even though they deal with some of
the same stuff I do...
I don't know...
sometimes it's confusing
but maybe
I should take a chance
like they've suggested
maybe
make that decision to
ask Him to
show me if He's Real
start there
then maybe to
come into my life as my
Lord and Savior
when and if
He does show me
at least I'd know if
what they're saying is
true or not and
if it is true
it'll change everything
but if it's not true
I haven't lost anything...
I'm looking for more
there's got to be more than
what I've seen up to now
well....why wait?
Jesus...
I want to know you
help me to know you
reveal yourself to me
show me if you are real
if you're alive
show me
and... after many days of
countless requests
without a response
in the quiet stillness of the night
a surprise Intimacy uploads
an unfamiliar tear and
unwraps an unexpected Gift...

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is your religious/spiritual background?
-Are you willing to take a chance to see if Jesus is real?
-Why/not?
-If not, what is holding you back?
-Do you see the value in moving forward?
-Why/not?
-Who can you talk to about moving forward?