Sliney Central

Green branches draw strength from their hidden roots,
She won’t cut you off, or give you the boot.
She watches up close, even from afar,
She sees in your darkness, a shining star.

So many sleepless nights and stomach aches,
Anxiously waiting when you come home late.
Her heart breaks with yours…perhaps even more.
You’re flesh of her flesh, from your deepest core!

A mom can never, ever be replaced,
Without her close by, we can’t run this race.
Thank you, God, for the huge gift of mothers,
Thanks to them, we have sisters and brothers.

Give your mom a hug, and a warm “thank you.”
Make it sincere, from the heart, and true blue!
This is her day, just one day of the year.
Make it special, and wipe away her tears!

The grace of being alive today,
Our Faith…a spiritual buffet!
Jesus touches our hearts when we pray,
Confession heals our soul when we stray,
Sacred Scripture enlightens our way,
His Spirit shapes us like potter’s clay,
We are friends of God…not cast aways!

Scenic golf courses with plush fairways,
A bright blue sky with no shades of grey,
Fresh crab cakes from the Chesapeake Bay,
A mattress, pillow…not piles of hay,
Best medical health…cat scans, xrays…
Work is tough, but we find time to play,
So many gifts, an endless array!!

“Thank you, God!!!”, is the least we should say!!

“Love” isn’t a cushy feeling or emotion,
nor being duped, dazzled…by cupid’s potion,
The media has concocted this notion.
“Selflessness” needs some serious promotion,
“Self-giving” is the core of true devotion,

It’s all about being courteous and kind,
Smoothing out the rough edges…being “refined”.
Loving from the heart, not because it’s “assigned”.
Offering solace, warmth…for those in the grind
Seeing, thinking, feeling…with Jesus’ mind!

This will mitigate marital commotion,
Untying the knots that stubborn pride will bind.
Prayer and Sacraments put all this in motion,
Change gears, re-focus…it’s time to get aligned!!

A little worn down, tired or sick?
Too busy to watch a solid flick?
Is life’s roller coaster ride too quick?
Are the weeds stuck in your brain too thick?

Escape to a Church, leave the rat race!
Rest on Christ’s heart, look into his face,
Make time for him…you need this space!
Refresh your soul in fountains of grace!

Carbs, calories, and fat…
We look at all the stats.
Do we care how we chat?
Or what our eyes look at?

Protection of our soul,
Should be our life’s main goal.
Consult God, not the poll’s,
More virtue, self-control!

What is “Faith?” What does it mean?
It seems hidden, like sunscreen,
Working hard behind the scenes,
Injected in your routine,
Through challenges unforeseen…
When life is a trampoline,
With mostly “red lights”, not green
Faith takes over like a Queen.
We need God!  We’re not machines!
Make “Christ-stops”…not just caffeine!

Donkeys are loyal, persistent and tough,

They travel tricky trails that can be rough.
In spite of heavy loads, they don’t complain,
Forging on, without counting costs or gains.

Christians, too, must carry their daily cross,
Jesus rides us as a friend, not a boss.
He’s the protagonist, trust him to steer,
With him on the saddle, no need to fear.

Our inner thoughts swirl around,
At times, they growl like a hound,
Running ragged…without bounds,
Causing chaos…without sound.

A mental gate checks your thoughts,
Don’t be deceived, bribed or bought.
Inspiration must be sought,
This daily fight must be fought!

God’s grace lifts fog from the eyes,
Showing the enemies lies,
Exposing unhealthy ties…
The cause of our daily sighs.

Foster virtue, kick out sin,
Let Christ’s light shine, and you’ll win!!

The search for peace is everywhere,
But few walk the walk…strong souls are rare.
A rose without thorns you will not find,
Deep peace flows from a heart that is kind.

There is no short cut, or a “quick fix”,
Selflessness, prayer must be in the mix.
The daily grind lived with constant love,
Moves God’s heart to send his peaceful dove.

The peace of Christ is always a gift,
Jesus always give his friends a lift.
He takes note of all our hidden deeds,
He tries hard to meet our deepest need.

God first, put God first above all things!
Only then you’ll hear the angels sing!

Sunday Mass and Catholic schools,
Living Lent with all of the rules,
Confession…a hidden jewel,
The rosary…a helpful tool.

Scapulars and saintly medals,
Grottoes, covered in rose petals…
Is this enough, are we settled?
Allow God to test your mettle!

With this goal, God’s graces are poured:
Christians should love better, love more,
Our spiritual guts should be sore,
Deep virtue must govern the core,
We must shine, brighter than before,
THEN…converts will enter the door!!