Father, give us faith.
We love you, or say we do, when convenient,
Working hard to serve when visible, yet tending to lag when alone.

We so often complain about the complacency of others --
But truly are ourselves complacent.
We do not devote ourselves enough to your Word,
Either in reading or obeying.
We do not pray as we ought.
We do not trust you enough.
We do not find you our ultimate rest, instead idolizing other things.
We do not consider you worthy of our all.

Forgive us.

Jules drove back to her house after the fellowship meal had ended. She packed fairly quickly, but felt listless and too tired to make the drive just yet. The half-empty container of jellybeans was calling to her from the kitchen pantry. She decided to fill a smaller container with them and put it in her bag.

"You can come in and see him now, Mr. Stanley. Right this way."
"Thank you." Miles followed the nurse down the hall. Once she had left him with his grandfather he sat down on the edge of the bed, and gently took the wrinkled hand in his own.
"Well now, who is this?" Angus's voice was as creased as his hand, but it was laced with love.
Miles chuckled gently. "Take a guess, Pops."
The older man sighed with contentment. Although his bandaged eyes couldn't show it, you could still sense the loving pride in them. "Batman, you've finally come. I knew you would."

Why do I love God?
I don't know.
But he has done a lot of things for me,
He put me in a great family.

Why do I love God?
He answers prayer,
That way I know he's really there.

Why do I love God?
This I know.
He sent his son to die for me,
so I could be a part of Gods family.

Why do I love God?
Now I know,
He has made my heart as white as snow.
He's given me a new life that I can know.
I'll live with him in heaven one day,
"I love you, Lord," each day I'll say.

Waiting.

I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Would they be nice? Would they speak English? What would they think of me? What would they think of our family?

My family and I were waiting near the last baggage claim, waiting for a long time, waiting for our Japanese relatives. Grandma Notsu would be there; Uncle Hiroo and Aunt Katsuko would accompany her. They were probably on the plane now…or off it, figuring out where to go.

Captain Aurelius Cassian held his breath. He prayed to Juno for a son for months after he was told of the pregnancy, and he sent incense to Jupiter for a princely fellow, Venus and Cupid for a boy of comely appearance, and Mars for a suitable warrior of Rome. He begged the gods for an heir.
Now, he waited for the result of his prayers.

I am empty and torn,
sad and forlorn,
I do not understand why.

I should be happy for you,
with all you’ve been through,
so why is it so hard to try?

I thought I’d be there,
to help and to care,
not miles from your side.

I thought God was clear,
and my intentions sincere,
but I almost feel like He lied.

I know it’s not true,
cause that’s not what You do,
and there’s always a purpose and plan.

But at times I don’t know,
if I am to go,
or remain here where I stand.

here i am, Lord, hear my plea
broken deeply, never free
lacking strength to even come
hither to Thy throne above.

wretched sinner, such as i
will you take me, here, tonight
save a sinner, mend a soul
will You make my shattered whole?

splintering my hardened heart
splitting shackles clean apart
cleansing my will to be Thine,
will You rest a wearied mind?

will You turn this life around
hell to heaven, skies from ground
turning night to brightest Day
will you lift me, now, today?

By a lonely road stands a lonely light,
‘Neath the clouded full moon above.
A dismal stretch of a country path,
Devoid of warmth and love.
A traveler stands on the lonely road,
Looking both to the left and the right,
And turns to walk down the lonely road,
Lit by the lonely light.
Houses full of Christmas cheer,
Windows glow warmly within,
But the shutter is closed, the curtains are drawn,
And no one invites him in.
As he reaches a fork in the lonely road,
A lantern’s light draws his eye.

Snippet 1

"Grandad, will you play with me?"

Duncan smiled at the little girl while he closed his book. His voice was chipper, as per usual.

"Of course! What do you want to play?"

She looked mischievous.

"Will you play dolls with me?"

He grinned.

"Of course, Sweetheart."

The minutes passed by quickly while Duncan spoke in a high voice, and dressed Only Hearts Club dolls many times over. The two were so engrossed in their play that they didn't hear the knock on the front door, or notice when the visitor let himself in.