When we relate to
Just our needs of seeing
Nature does not
Reveal it’s true being
When a tree is
Nothing but a chair
It ceases to tell us
About growing here
When a river is
Just a dumping place
It no longer speaks of
The movement of grace
And when a flower is
A plastic decoration
It has little to say of
The beauty of creation
Natures not a possession
Let’s change our attitude
For it’s a gift to receive
With respect and gratitude
(based upon words by Henri Nouwen)
Before our day begins
Time to start performing
Take a step outside and
Catch a breath of morning
For a seed of beauty
A gift of the spawning
To dwell within the light
Catch a glimpse of dawning
Let it settle in
Worldly time to cease
In silence of the soul
Draw a taste of peace
Know that loves abounding
Blessings our God shares
With gratitude to offer
A whisper of prayer
Come listen beloved
Two truths be aware
The birth of our Lord and
His return drawing near
The first is the answer
For the second, prepare
His incarnate dwelling
Be within you here
A time of waiting
Of joy to share
Of anticipating
The Word to appear
In this Advent season
Let our way be clear
Not to the store
But one body in prayer
Isn’t it exhausting?
Life just seems too hard
Keeping up appearance
Living the façade
Isn’t is confusing?
No matter how I try
Being who I’m not
Living of a lie
Isn’t it so stressful?
Worries everywhere
Of all that could go wrong
Living here in fear
Isn’t it so freeing?
When our lifes outpoured
Being who God made me
Living for the Lord
And on that day
Let all souls say
Give to our Lord
Our thanks and pray
Make known His deeds
Let all exclaim
Remember now
Exalt His name
Praise the Lord
Our song to sing
For He has done
Glorious things
Call on His name
Let this be known
Throughout the land
Our gratefulness shown
Through the gift of Spirit
Let us each believe
A practice of Thanksgiving
For us to receive
Please extend the gift
Of hospitality
Welcoming whatever
Our great God sends to me
When stress comes to visit
Embrace here with peace
Give it to our Lord
Free to be released
Offer of Thanksgiving
Of time and talents share
To each blessed soul
For gifts that they prepare
And for those complaining
Not what they deserve
A helping of forgiveness
Mercy may they be served
With each soul encountered
You love them through and through
Unconditionally
Help me to love them too
Nurturing our being
With each fork we raise
May it come with words
Of offering God praise
A stack of dirty dishes
Be my chance to bless
A gift to those I love
With a moments rest
To feast on gratefulness
Consuming now right here
To reap the fruit of joy
In blessings everywhere
What is a blessing?
But a share of
A taste of heaven
A gift of Gods’ love
Of nothing deserved
But one of pure grace
Let us receive it
With a grateful embrace
A treasure to cherish
Shared in many ways
If we are aware
We will be amazed!
Just a reminder
Of this message true
As a child of God
You’re a blessing too!
Of a new dawning
Shining so bright
Soaking within
The fullness of light
Of silence and song
A psalm flowing clear
Drawing within
The fullness of air
One of creation
Of joy and of strife
A moment within
The fullness of life
A gift of to be
To see, feel and hear it
A prayer of within
The fullness of Spirit
A moments happiness
When things went my way
And when it didn’t
It quickly passed away
And so, I was happy
When I bought something new
That quickly became old
Another thing, pursue
I couldn’t fill the void
Searching everywhere
And behold the answer
To let God find me here
Hearing of the good news
A calling of the higher
To find delight in our Lord
Who gives our hearts desire
When light is laid
Upon the ground
When Spirit speaks
Without a sound
When gifts are blessed
Of treasure found
Of one to share
Is so profound
When God of love
Is always here
Found within
A simple prayer
When the response
Is clear to see
To simply dwell
For us to be
DarylMadden 