Dear Friend: Pass It On

To My Friend,

The reason I'm writing you is to tell you how thankful I am to have had you in my life.  To have pointed me in the right direction with the Lord among other aspects of my life.  I can't help but look at some self-improvements and developments I've made in the past year.  And although you weren't there for a lot of them, and I can proudly say I've done a lot on my own, I can't just say I did it all by myself.  You were the one who's planted that seed.  You are the one who put courage and love back inside my heart.  You are the one who made me realize after looking through what you do, to be more mindful, thankful, selfless and impressionable.  So, often times when I take steps that all those emotions fill, I do wish you were nearby, but I am content that I move forward knowing you were that momentary reason brought by God to give me strength throughout my walk of life.  I tell you this b/c after an entire year, I'm finally able to share the goodness of the Lord that you have bestowed upon me.  It is a wonderful feeling to be able to pass on what has been passed onto me by you.  I have invited one friend to church two weeks ago and by last week it has grown to four.  These friends I haven't seen in almost a decade!  And I just reached out to them b/c it was mentioned they were looking to attend a church with their values.  It was the best feeling to hear all four, almost all at the same time tell me, "Thank you!  I think we found our new home here!"  Not only that, remember a video you have shared with me last year that was the skit to Lifehouse's "Everything" (CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE VIDEO)?  That same exact one I sent to them, giving them the story behind how it was given to me (of course, I didn't disclose any names for anonymity).  And one of the sister's of the one who came to church, who is also a close friend of mine and is unsure about it, I sent her the other first video you sent to me when I was in a rut and unsure.  The video from Casting Crowns "Does Anybody Hear Her" (CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE VIDEO), also telling her the story behind that and where I was in life at that time.  A blessing that after all this time, I am able to share my personal experiences to those who have yet to have a relationship with God.  I thought I'd let you know b/c I'm sure that makes you happy as well, that you're work and your dedication has not gone unnoticed.  :)


Bless You,


Me

- Dedicated to TM

Nothing Like Him

There is nothing like the calmness
He settles from the rage,
And the sanctuary
He provides in His arms.
Nothing like His kindness
That prevails among the rest,
And the love
Abiding from His heart.

For many, he awakens life
So, I let Him study me,
And the closeness I feel
Brings everlasting peace.
I need His radiant voice
That softly whispers clear
More than anyone else
His guidance strengthens me.

Will He show me again,
How it feels to be loved?
I surely miss
His warm embrace.
The lamp to my feet
He’s bared me the way
To find the glory
That rest upon my faith.

There is nothing like the spirit
He gives from within
And the greater stillness
He holds with just one hand.
Nothing like His triumphs
That leaves much for hope,
And the grace,
The People understand.

- Dedicated to TM bringing faith back into my life!

Is God All Around Us? The Sign of the Cross

One Friday, I woke up in the middle of the night unable to sleep.  Again, another restless night…another night with troubling thoughts that won’t detach.  My cat nudges my hand to give me comfort, but then begins to chatter and stare at the ceiling as if to see something.  I saw nothing.  She continues to chatter and look up.  Moments later, as I start to stare upward with my eyes wide with alertness…there It appeared on my ceiling; a bright shape that began to form into a cross.

At first when I saw it, I was startled, I do admit…and I even tried to debunk the formation to prove to myself it was nothing more than a light shining through my blinds.  But, the cross still remained after a few different attempts to expose what many would influence – is that scientifically it’s resolvable.  Afterwards, instead of fighting to prove it was something else, I laid back, and enjoyed the calmness that came over me.  And that is when I realized that I am not alone.  I’ve been going through a difficult time, a rather challenging time, and some great times too…but nevertheless, I’ve been going through some changes.

A few minutes went by, and the bright cross slowly started to dissipate.  And as it did, I questioned a few things.  Was this a sign, almost as if speaking through me to get me to understand a little bit more of His ways?  That He is always there for me?  That I have nothing to fear?  That God is all around us?  One thing that I certainly did not question, however, is that although I may at times feel alone and sometimes physically alone, that I truly am not, and that He walks beside me in life no matter what I go through.

Tonight's Prayer

Reach out to the stars tonight
Pray to the Gods in glory
For hath thou shall save the fight
And thee shall not worry.

Take the hand of the Lord
Let Him guide ye to the light.
Seek shelter forever more
He cometh with all His might.

Make a symbol of Holy Grace
Lay down ye nestled sight.
For He has giveth unto ye place,
A prayer of peace tonight.

Bring Him Unto Me

About a love from a man I never met before, putting all my faith in God to bring us together.


Bring Him Unto Me
Lord, I want him to find his way to me.
Bless him with the encouragement I leave.
Put faith where his feet may walk along.
Lord, let him know what I feel is strong.

Give him pride to stand nearby.
Show him it's okay to turn to me and cry.
Carry him into my arms at night
Where I can hold him until it feels right.

Lord, take his hand and guide him here.
Through all the other tempting peers.
Come into his dreams at night.
Lord, shine your wisdom of heavenly light.

I want him to think of me when he wakes.
Bring him to me whatever it takes.
Surrender his purest thoughts of me.
Fate shall seek for us to be.

Amen

The Lord Hears Our Prayers

[Making sign of the cross across the chest]
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.
Bless me Father for I have sinned.  It's been (date) since my last confession.

Hear my sins:
......I committed the sins of the flesh (sex before marriage).
......I'm sorry for the loss of my child.

God created this life of mine.
He created the Heavens and the Earth.
My God knew how he wanted me
During the time of my birth.

I do sin,
Like what human has not before?
He hears my prayers chanting.
His hearts an open door.

He who lies
Must never die,
Yet just be ignored.
The pain passes
Through broken glasses,
And soon I'll be adored.

The Lord gave me life,
And strength to fight
My prayers rang out
Through the night.
My Holy Father
Hears my call,
He forgave my sins after all!