Dt 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 9:22-25

today
is set before us
life and death
we choose life
in Him
who endured
many sufferings
at the hands of others
but rose to new life
in the Spirit of God
law of the Lord
written
in our hearts
we stand
like a tree
planted near
running water
meditating on
God’s love
day and night
with love’s fruit
yielding
in due season
with leaves
that will never fade

What do you choose?

Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6;12-17; 2Cor 5:20-21; Mt 6:1-18

with our
whole heart
we return
to God
made from
love
for love
we have
no other reason
to live
but to give
what has been
given us
not for gain
or show
or profit
but to be
who we are
in God

Have you returned to God with your whole heart?
What has God called you to be?

Genesis 4:1-15,25; Psalm 50:1 and 8, 16-17, 20-21; Mark 8:11-13

what sign
but breath
that we live
in grace
given

what darkness
in us
that we should
rise against
another
in word
and deed
betraying all that we are
in envy
murder
and greed

drawn up
before our eyes
we see
all we wish
not to be
but given God’s love
and strength
we become
who we are
meant to be

What does your breath tell you?
Who were you meant to be?

Lv 13:1-2; 44-4; 1Cor 10: 31-11:2; Luke 7:16; Mark 1:40-45

set apart
marked as unclean
as “less than”
or unworthy
we turn to God
in our time of trouble
who offers
the saving power
of mercy
love
forgiveness
and compassion-
ever grateful
we share
what has been given
to all who desire

What have you set apart?
Where do you turn in time of trouble?
What do you share?

Genesis 3: 9-24; Psalm 90: 2-13; Mark 8: 1-10

hiding
from what
cannot be
hidden from
we are found
by Love
and Compassion
and fed
all that we need
no longer lost
from who we are
we see
the Good
from which we came
and share
what has been given
we live
within God’s miracle

Where are you?
From what are you hiding?
Where can you hide from God?

Mark 7:31-37

“Be opened”
to God’s healing touch
upon your ears
your mouth
and your hardened heart
to hear His voice of love
guiding you
in new ways
of Being
away from deception
away from hatred
weapons
and war
to kindness
generosity
and peace

What does kindness, generosity and peace look like?
How do we create it?

Genesis 2:18-25; Psalm 128:1-5; Jas 1:21; Mark 7:24-30

welcome
the word
planted in you
persist
in asking
and seeking-
for healing
will come
know that
you are never alone
you are always
in Love’s Presence
even when Love
feels far away
even when
anger and deceit
are upon you
be still
know
that healing
will come

Do you welcome the word planted in you?
Can you be still and know?

Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17; Psalm 104:1-2, 27-30; Mark 7:14-23

the Spirit
sent forth
we are created
in breath
with hearts
intended for love
what turn
would cause
a heart
to greed
and deceive
envy
and betray
with arrogance
what tree
what fruit
what choice
of heart and mind
leads the soul astray
what angel
heralds
a return

Do you hear the Spirit’s call to trust the God who created you in love?

Genesis 1: 20-2:4; Psalm 8: 4-9; Mark 7: 1-13

God of Life
giving
in abundance
blessing
filling
teeming
with Goodness
giving us
dominion
and freedom
to choose
life or death
to have
reverence for
or to exploit
creation

called into
God’s image
and likeness
Father and Mother
of care
we choose
Life
and create
“On Earth
As it is
In Heaven”

What do you choose?

Genesis 1:1-19; Psalm 104: 1-12, 24 and 35; Mark 6:53-56

you come
with Light
to heal
as in first creation
from formless mass
and dark abyss
came Light

water and wind
sky and land
seed and plant
sun and stars
all blessed as Good

we begin again
in your light
in your touch
a new creation
in Love

How do you begin again?