The Seasons: A Poem

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Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai
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30 Day Prayer Challenge - Day 4

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*The 30 Day Prayer Challenge is hosted by Real Life Rosary.  During these 30 days we are using the book 4 Simple Steps to Better Meditations to dive deeper into reading the daily scriptures.  Please click any of links for more information.  Join our Facebook Group to stay up to date.

Memorial of St. Benedict - Here is one of our favorite books about St. Benedict.  (this is an affiliate link, purchasing through this link helps our ministry)

Step #1 - Clear the Mind.

My distractions this morning were thoughts of work for the day and week.  My mind also wanted to explore an upcoming family visit with my brother-in-law and his family.


Step #2 - Read the Scriptures

Today's readings can be found here.  The readings today seemed to be so far different from the way I usually imagine God - spurning prayers, bringing the sword, etc.  It was difficult to read so I kept reading, asking God to help it make sense to me.

Step #3 - Join the Story

As I sat and listened to Jesus' words I was shocked.  I was not expecting him to promote violence or the sword.  I wasn't expecting him to tell me that if I loved someone more than him, I'm not worthy of him.  But the more I listened, the more the message became clear.  God must be first in my life.  In the first reading God spurns the prayers, sacrifices and offerings of his people.  Why?  Because their hearts were not in it.  They were going thorugh the motions.  It essentially became a false worship of the true God.  Similarly, Jesus rejects a false love of him and a false peace at the expense of truth.  To truly love God I must think back to the Sunday Gospel and love him with all that I am.  I can't hold anything or anyone back.  I must be all in!

Step #4 - Talk/Listen to God


Dear God, show me the ways that I am holding back from you.  Show me where my heart is not completely yours.  Help me to give myself to you completely in my prayers, sacrifices, and service to you and others.  Reveal to me the areas in my life where I am simply going through the motions and give me the strength to offer you my heart.

Step #5 - Bonus Step - Thanksgiving

Dear Lord, thank you for this time of prayer and meditation.  Thank you for another day to know you, to love you, and to serve you.  Thank you for all of the people joining us during these 30 days.  Help us all to grow in our love for you and one another!  Give us the strength to worship you and live a life that is attractive to others that through our love for you, they too will come to know you.

Today is Monday, I would encourage you to pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.  Here are the Joyful Mysteries of Suffering.

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