• February 24  Taken from A River of Hope

     Sometimes our struggles defeat us emotionally. They test our faith and challenge our spiritual strength. We might feel like giving up or at least wish life could be easier. We can take comfort in the thought that struggles are an intricate part of the journey. They add substance to our personalities. They help us mature and grow along our way.

     As we face each struggle and work our way through the pain, we eventually discover victory over despair. We are given the confidence and grace to overcome all obstacles. At each and every corner, victory is at hand. We can reach toward it. It is not as far as it might seem. In fact, it lies within.

     Our lives are filled with many tough circumstances. In facing our challenges and accepting our burdens, we are equipped to begin on the road to victory. These are the first steps. We can see the hope that forever flickers in the distance. We can fan it to flame and embrace the light of its presence.

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We are learning. We can relax. We can breathe. We can be who we are.

Taken from… February 23                                       A River of Hope

Many of us hope for the future. We make plans and entertain dreams that will someday lead us where we want to go. Sometimes in the midst of our expectations, we forget to enjoy the present. We miss the essence of life. Our greatest hope lies within the moments before us.

We can ask God to help us live out this hope day by day. Instead of scattering our thoughts across an unseen future, we can place our attention in the here and now. There are infinite possibilities in any given moment. We can be attuned to these opportunities and treat them as gifts. One by one, they contribute to a brighter tomorrow.

All good things require time and patience. When we quit leaping foreward, we can appreciate the blessings in front of us. Each day contains endless miracles. We can stop and appreciate the treasures of the present as we nurture our understanding of tomorrow. Together, they make hope shine! 

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There is no greater beauty than that in the moment. We can rest here. We can dream here. We can see our destiny here.

January 11                                      A River of Hope

We all stumble-some more than others-but, nonetheless, it is something we all have in common.  We don’t enjoy it, and yet stumbling is a necessary part of life. It helps us become who we are meant to be. It brings us closer to our destiny. Most importantly, it leads us nearer to God.

Although stumbling is inevitable, there are things we can do to gain discernment. One of the most effective means to clear away obstacles is learning to make good choices. The decisions we make all eventually lead to one of two outcomes-either positive or negative. We must make our choices carefully, holding our dearest hopes and beliefs in the forefront of our minds. Our choices ultimately determine who we become.

And becoming is what life is all about. One way or another, we will get there. We will discover the magnificence of who we are created to be. We are all children of God. We can spend our lifetime on earth living out His destiny. We can be lights where there is darkness and despair.

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Choices do not always come easy. Sometimes the best we can do is to be still and silent, raising our thoughts for heaven’s light to illumine our hearts and minds.  The more we turn it over, the more beautiful we grow. This is the magic of the universe. It is the story of our soul…

Peace and Love

Amy Lynn

A River of Hope   January 5

We love to see our plans unfold as we expect. We are challenged emotionally and psychologically when things do not go our way. We also like it best when the end is in sight. It is hard to journey toward an unseen future.

The unknown stirs fear within us. When we are unsure of outcomes and solutions, we get scared. Thankfully, we can consider alternatives. Instead of surrendering to fear during uncertain times, we can trust in God’s perfect guidance. We can surrender to love. God is moving us in the direction we must go. We can trust his care and inspiration.

Embracing the unknown is far better than running from it. The places that have made us comfortable are not necessarily the roads we need to follow. When we step into new avenues, even when we are unsure, it allows God room to work within us. During times of uncertainty, he can show us his ways. And his ways are so much better than our own!

We can even learn to treasure times of ambiguity. Instead of throwing up our arms in frustration, we can reach out our hands in faith. God sees the big picture. He understands and loves us completely. He designed the journey we travel. He handcrafted it especially for us, to bring us peace and joy. He will not let us down! Embrace him…

January 1  A River of Hope

Life provides a wide array of feelings that we can experience, express, and fianlly, release. Some of our encounters bring joy and others sorrow. We grow when we allow time and space in our heart for our feelings- both pleasant and not so pleasant. It is then that we discover our true identity.

Feelings mirror our choices. We can open our inner landscape to them, or shut the door. We can explore the wisdom they bring, for we create the garden from which they bloom. We might choose to turn the other way, but not without consequence. When we face them openly, they grace our path. We learn more about ourselves. We learn to love.

But there comes a time for tender release. Feelings can only be held for so long before we must let them go. Life is ever-changing and so are we. Each day we receive the opportunity to experience a new range of emotions, yet our ability is dampened if we hold onto yesterday. Releasing the past creates room for light to shine into our future. We can move on.

Emotions are God-given. When we bow to the innter-voice, we are filled with peaceful guidance. Our path becomes clearer each time we pause and take personal inventory. We gain perspective during times of reflection. God is leading us toward serenity and life anew. Feelings bring us nearer to God.

I wish you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year filled with many blessings!!!

The year is quickly drawing to a close. We have learned much. We have come a long way. We have been through hard times. We don’t only think we have, we know we have. We have had faith, doubted, and then had faith again. We have been strong and weak. And now, the time has come. It is here. In this moment, we can surrender. We can turn our faces into the light. We can embrace the quiet spirit of freedom.

We have held on tightly to so many things. It is hard to let go. And yet, until we do, we cannot truly receive. We do not control our destiny. There is a loving Creator, much wiser and more powerful than we who has held us in the palm of his hand as we have struggled. He has longed to show us an easier, softer path. We can let God begin guiding our thoughts and actions today. This will prepare us for a wonderful new year.

Surrender is the key to inner peace and deep satisfaction. It is the handmaiden of freedom. All we need to do is to let go one last time and trust. God will see us through. He will carry us along the journey. He will help us climb steep mountains and lead us along quiet streams.

God, we surrender our journey to your care and protection. May we walk with you forever.

 Many blessings and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy Lynn

No doubt autumn is a beautiful season. The trees and fields are simply spectacular in brilliant shades of burnt orange and fiery red, highlighted amongst leaves and twigs of lemon yellow and dark cranberry. It is probably the most beautiful season and yet if we consider nature at this time, it is actually approaching its end. Everything has bud and grown months before in the early spring. The freshness is gone, blown away by the hot summer winds, further brushed by the cold drafts of the onset of winter. We can learn a lot from this season. We can always learn from nature.

Many of us are seasoned as well. We might feel as if we have surpassed our time in blossom. Perhaps the freshness of life is a far away memory. We can rest assured that our later seasons in life are the very best. We too have reached a point in which we are most beautiful. Our spiritual fibers are well developed and we have rich and vibrant colors to add to the world. This is no time to wish for the past or try to recreate our youth. It is a time to celebrate and share. It is our season to give back the many gifts we have been given along our journey. It is our time to love.

And the more we give the more beautiful we become. We can share our experience, strength, and hope with others who need encouragement and direction. We have overcome many burdens victoriously. Our colors have become rich and radiant in hue. This is our final season in life, our grand finale. It is our time to add beauty and color to the world.  Let’s not waste a minute of it in regret.

I challenge all women who read this to step outside of their comfort zones and reach out to add beauty and strength to a world in need of love. It is our time. It is our season…

Good luck and many blessings!

Amy

Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged. This year has been a whirlwind!

Like most of us, I have had several pots brewing at one time.  I have experienced more challenges and thankfully more victories, but I think my biggest accomplishment has been a return home to “me”. What do I mean? Let me try to explain…

I have spent most of my life looking around and reaching for this or that, anything to make me happy or at least more comfortable. Thankfully, my journey finally reached upward toward the divine. This year, I decided to shed all attachments and reclaim only those that fit my understanding of my destiny (which is one of the main reasons I have not blogged for a while). I reached a point where I had no other choice but to look inside.

It is truly amazing how much we can learn about ourselves when we clear our lives and look within! We are a busy society. We do not always take time to be still and learn to understand who we are and what we need. This is time well spent. We can give ourselves the treasure of self-discovery. This paves the way to happiness. We finally find what we have been looking for all along. We have carried it in our heart.

We have all heard the phrase “home is where the heart is”. This has new meaning for me today. We carry our most precious possessions within. And one of them is us.

Peace and blessings

Amy Lynn

Poetry,Pros,Prayers, Meditations, and Mantras for our Country in an exciting time of transformation and change!

  (Material to be published in my upcoming release “Sacred Peace, Finding Inner Freedom, a Vision of Global Rebirth) Material cannot be duplicated or copied in any form. Thank you. Enjoy!                                                                                                                 The Hope of Peace     

  We have battled many wars. Our freedom has been challenged. Life as we once knew it has changed. Earth is evolving in record speed, and with increasing tribulation, evil transgresses with great force. Thankfully, resolve accompanies change, for we know that certain things cannot continue to exist. In fact, many things must end.  But we can rest assured that each ending brings a brighter new beginning. Every heart that cries can embrace the hope of peace tomorrow.   We can work courageously in the days ahead. Each one of us can enfold the soul of our journey. Our mission is to expand the gifts of love, freedom, justice, truth, and charity. We now see how important these purposes are. We realize the value of family and fellowship. We cherish the days we have had. Our courage will restore our principles.  We are rebuilding the foundation of

     We begin to see the need for a collective surrender. When we unite in the power of God, we gain the wisdom and momentum to conquer. We are restored and replenished in our humility. We are strengthened in faith and integrity. We see that victory is only by God’s grace.                                          Surrender Brave        Surrender brave, surrender sweet, the key to all the strength I seek        To conquer every battle bleak. The future’s new beginnings speak…        Alas, the light of hope.        Surrender bold, surrender strong. Holding tight, we dare belong        To God’s omnipotent, mighty song. He helps us fight this evil wrong        And set the world free.        Surrender fresh, surrender new, a fountain for everything we do        The invisible force of lasting truth. Hope in red, white, and blue        Victorious by God’s grace.        Surrender soft, surrender fair, Exalt within our deepest care                  And light the radiant path to where we reach out with God’s gifts to share        along the way.        Surrender safe, surrender kind, unveil in us a heart like Thine        And in Your healing hope will shine. The leader of a global sign        That brings the world to peace.           

                      The Search for Peace     We have been searching for peace since the beginning of time. During the 1960’s, this search expanded, but also mutated. We began looking for solutions to our problems along artificial paths, causing future generations’ guilt and shame. Now, we are together called to fight for peace. Goodwill has been elevated to a state of national emergency. It has become necessary for our survival. It is no longer optional. We see our most dire needs.     How can fighting be good? We wonder. Why combat violence with violence? Fighting and peace are not synonymous.” The highest form of love is discipline. When we love our children, we give them boundaries for their protection. When we deeply care for friends, we tell them what they need to hear.   Love involves risk, and the willingness to fight for what we believe in is virtuous. Truth sets us free. Without it, freedom suffocates.                 God is liberating

     And, we are reclaiming destiny. We are holding peace close to our hearts. We are striving to share this gift with others. We are reaching around the world to make this land more beautiful. We are supporting those who take our cause to the front lines. We have rediscovered community spirit. We are reclaiming love.                                                                                     The Sound of Peace                                                     People suffering everywhere. Many vane, without a care.                A needless tear, a broken heart…We must wonder how it starts?                Or if it has a happy end? Or if in fighting, peace begins?                Life is full of barricades. We count our losses- prices paid                But love has no final cost.  Seeing smiles that once were lost                Peace begins…                 Across the earth and all around. People search for freedom’s sound.                In our hearts, through our deeds. We can share the sound of peace.                People live naught to die. In between our futures lie.                Moments conquered, liberty shone. In the end we all come home.                            Conflict leads to that special place where it is time to further peace.              Some will live, others die. Yet, there is one who hears our cries.              And in our effort we can change the course of others’ hopes deranged.              And to each hero and his son…              New life is born. The war is won.   Liberty               

             Where we let go of all we chase, and begin to see God’s tender face.              Then, we know the war is won. Our hope stands in the sun,             And from this love we’ll never run.  The search for peace is finally done.  

                                                         Renewal                 This is an era of renewal. The spirit of

     We are also returning to prayer. This is the window of hope. Coming together as a Nation and in our homes and turning our hearts to God, is a heavenly phenomenon that is recreating the universe. We are heard! Our prayers will not go unanswered. We are setting a stout example for future generations, one that is proud -yet humble- one that is not vain. We are restoring the beliefs of our ancestors.       We ask God to lead our way. He will give us confidence in the road ahead and faith in our journey. He will not let us down. He created us to accomplish our mission. He gave us many abilities and gifts, which work together in harmony. We have discovered our interconnectedness and cherish our relationships. We enhance each other’s experience.And then it happens… we are renewed.         

                    Meditative Poetry 

                                Beyond the Rain Battles come and battles go, but there is one shelter I will always know…‘Neath the love of God.My Father leads me through the rain to the other side of grief and pain To where the rainbow can be seen and all its colored lights so gleamUpon my soul, fragile, pure…He helps me see what is for sureAnd not ideals that wither and fade, nor life’s empty, false charade. He helps me know what truly is. His guiding love becomes a bridge Toward a cross for me to face, to hold and carry in his grace 

And lay it down when all is done…at the feet of the glorious, precious SonWho paints all colors, true and bright. His hope becomes our perfect sight. Rainbows dance within his heart…healing is born, frailties part And what remains is truly fine- all our hopes and dreams in line To welcome us at heaven’s gate, reminding us there’s more to fateThan scattered raindrops in the wind, like reaching out to help a friend…Gifts from heaven, born of love.  They expand in us with light above. They shine within, warm and free and help us become who we’re meant to be   So we can share his precious hope, teaching others the way to copeWith life’s storms and trials tough…to be a light in tunnels thus…We’re finally led beyond the rain, past the sorrow, through the pain, To where the rainbow can be touched. We’ll see God loves us oh so much!                             Wondrous Love             God’s majesty is all around. Within our hearts, its strength resounds            A touch of freedom, inner peace…A moment’s victory, sweet release.            Refreshing love fills the air. Undying faith… Endless care            It brings us home when all is done. In heaven’s arms we see the sun.            Beneath petals folded still, creative wonders someday will            Blossom in splendor, full and bright ..all to open in the light.            As each day draws the curtain closed. The sun’s beautiful colors show             The journey home isn’t far…a path beneath every star.            For if we follow one in faith… Our road ends in heaven’s space.              Eternity is won. 

                                     Reclaiming the Light            Reclaiming the Light we once held dear. The past afar, yet so near.            It carries us and will again.  It lifts us from the mar of sin.        This Light is ours; it shows the way to make it through another day…         It’s only when we close our eyes, our heart feels the painful cries         Of all that’s lost -slipped away- hence the yarn of yesterday.          But hope never leaves our side.  It wipes every tear we cry          And waits for us to return inside… the warm sun.          There is a Light of better days.  He cares for us in tender ways.         Claiming love through all time.  In the darkness, mercy shines!     

                                        A New Day’s Dawn Praying on tomorrow…surely today.  Praying on tomorrow’s light, We’ll clearly see the way.Where sorrow fades, a new day dawns in soft, illuminant rays.  There, we can rest our soul…Our troubles melt away.Praying on tomorrow, it seems all we have.  The past is gone, present vague. We see the future path. It leads to freedom, liberty. A place where we let goOf all that threatens inner peace… We long to be there so! 

Praying on tomorrow, we kiss the day goodbye.  We kneel and bow our heads in grace.  Our soul begins to cry.  And as we quiver, our heart doth know that God is surely near.  He holds us in his healing arms.  He catches every tear.  And baths us in his radiant love, casting out all fear.   He brings us to a new day’s dawn, colorful and clear. 

                          Somewhere in the HeartNo one fully understands the reason life must end.  We work… we love. We laugh and play…Then all is to the wind.  Loved one’s once by our side, suddenly drift afar. And yet their light shines within, somewhere in the heart.We learn from those before us. We carry out their dreams.  We extend their hope in destiny.  Their memory, we gleam.  And someday we will join them, when all is said and done.  When fate unfolds her wings divine to lift us to the Sun.  Where we are shown with love why everything must end.  We’re welcomed into heaven’s arms, where all begins again.                                                                    The Silent Rose  God’s light sheds upon the earth.  Another dream is given birth.  Piercing rays through stained glass clouds.  Our deepest hopes speak aloud.Infinite beauty lies ahead.  Wings unfold to make her bedAnd we can rest, safe and sound.  Eternal ecstasy abounds.God’s love flows in with radiant streams, crafting hopes building dreamsOnce born in us, they’re ours to make.  We work them out for heaven’s sake.And when our lives draw to a close.  We bow and see the silent rose. For it has bloomed every time, we’ve helped to make God’s love shine.                                          

                                   Peace Reigns Truth yonder, distant, near.  Raindrops sullen, elusive, clear.  Flowers fragrant, sheer delight. Ocean waves…soaring might.Earth’s beauty, luscious… vain.  Fostering life, yet insane.  Resisting universal truth. Creation’s irrefutable proof…That peace reigns.  

                           The Hand of God Listen…can you hear it?  Rustling in the breeze.  Rolling across the meadows…T’is the sound of peace.It echoes in a lullaby and bows to hear our people cry.  It waits alas the evening tide…and ushers in the dawn.Be still…can you feel it, within the moment’s light?  It touches each and everyone, emotion’s sure delight.Peace ripples through the air. Love prevails, above all care. We find our deepest, truest prayer…Lies in the hand of heaven. 

                                        Fear Nothing Darkness falling from the sky creating many how’s and why’s. A mallet beats upon her wings. But love has won. Fear nothing.        The past fades with every day. And blue skies chase the sullen gray. For all is in the mighty hand of God who knows yonder plans.Nothing is beyond his reach…the stars or ocean’s depth beneath.  We all evolve in perfect time leaving troubles far behind. 

                                                Victory We see the Lord here and there. He fills the world with love and care. We see him in a twinkling eye, and hear his broken heart that cries. And in the freedom of our skies, he listens to our prayers.We feel the Lord around…within. He treats us like a special friend. Guiding us through tragic times. Healing us in graceful rhymes. His voice as peaceful as a chime. Leading to victory…One day at a time. 

                           When God SmilesWhen God smiles, a baby’s born. Birds awaken and greet the morn. Cupped in silence, flowers unfold, opening petals to stories untold.God’s smile paints the earth. His love and mercy bring rebirth. His power calms the raging sea, and moves us close to destiny.He leads the geese home to rest and shows the sparrow where to nest. Where God smiles, hope transcends, lifting the world to love again.Gentle love embraces all. It reaches down to touch the small. It holds the universe in place. Guiding our future in brilliant grace.  

             Prayers and Poetic Mantras for our country and people 

                              Prayer for Healing                               God… our Christ, Savior true and bright.   See us through this time’s despair  Show us that we have a prayer in you.                              For you know all our tears and pain.         And by Your grace, we live again.                              You grant the strength to overcome.           You are love’s champion, victory’s son.                             Please hold us in your heart so dear. And in this place, we will not f ear.                    Prayer for Comfort

  Dear God, we pray for our country. For your light to shine and abide in us.Bring healing to our homes and families. May we use the treasure of time carefully.We have entered the era of good verse evil. Please fill us with the promise and comfort that love reigns. You have won the eternal war.We are all branches of this victory. Help us bear fruit.Helps us be beacons of light. Through our trials, show us our ability to reach out and affect others. Show us love. Unveil our gifts. Help us believe in our talents. Uncover them and give us new life. For we are children of light. Let us bring healing to others.This is Your way.                                           Thank You        Prayer for the Brokenhearted

We see this time of great challenge and our hearts are broken.Be near us dear God.Heal the heart of America. Show us your ways… for they are sweet.Help us love above all, for love is the creator of good. It crushes evil. It secures our safety.Help us trust in the days ahead that all things work together for good.We have seen many miracles, and we gratefully anticipate our opportunity to see more of your perfect tapestry as it unfolds in the days to come. Grant us faith in your will. Help us know you are healing the heart of a broken world.Give us the strength to embrace your plans.  Lift our minds to love.      Amen      

               Prayer to Heal our Emotions

Dear God, you see each of our emotions with love and compassion.Please heal our fear. Help us know that you are faithful and wise.We experience events we do not understand. The world makes us angry.We feel discouraged and misunderstood, and yet we know there is power in your touch.We have seen your love at work. We praise you.Please grant us inner peace. Inspire us to share this peace with others.We know you are the truth, the light, and the way.We claim this light and vow to expand it.We recognize your power and surrender in your loving guidance.        Together, we can overcome.                                         Amen                             Mantra for FaithFaith so distant, yet so near. Reveal to us the true and clear.And gracefully guide us from each pierTo one day lead us home. 

                                 Prayer for DestinyOur world is greatly challenged and we witness unspeakable tragedy. Nothing makes sense.We wonder where we went wrong and where we are headed?Higher power, we ask for the faith to follow your paths.Show us your loving plans. Help us believe in love.Give us the strength to walk in its glory. Help us fight for its goodness.Grant us the patience to trust in the unseen.We know you are at work, through the good and the bad.Help us see the soul of destiny. Give us the confidence to believe, for conviction leads to victory.It leads to you.                            Thank You                  

      Prayer for Perseverance

Lord, our spirits are being tested. We are blinded by confusion and inhibited by personal politic. We long to trust, but savor our independence. We seek liberty but do not express unconditional love.We want justice, but harbor resentment. Grant us the faith to change.Give us the courage to love, for faith and love highlight our existence.They enhance our wellbeing.We see our mission. We are beginning to understand our destiny.We know our future is safe in your hands.It shines like a beacon in the night.Help us persevere in sharing this light with others.   Amen                       Prayer for Restoration          Dear God, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.Fear and uncertainty plague our dreams for the future.Please restore our faith. Help us trust in perfect will.Help us see that our thoughts and feelings are fallible.Your power is omniscient. We believe this truth.We affirm our ability to tap into this power. You are the source of all energy.You control the universe with wisdom and kindness.Many events are beyond our comprehension.There are some things we will never understand, and yet we have faith in our Creator. We believe in a higher purpose. We dedicate ourselves to passion.                                                                         Amen                                 A Mantra for GuidanceMighty God, guide us, each and every day.                In everything we say and do, help us find the way.To bring love to a broken world and help those in dismay.With all our hearts we ask, and for your cause we pray….

                  Prayer for our Nation  Lord, lead us out of terror and away from darkness. We have seen the depths of our negligence. We have experienced the poison of contempt and corruption. Save us from a brutal past. Guide us into the hope of a future in you. Protect us from harm and danger.Enlighten us to make loving and wise choices. We have seen how our decisions can thwart our destiny. We despise our mistakes and want to change. For through our actions, your power can influence the world.We fall to our knees in prayer. We ask for your care and guidance.Show us where you need and where we are needed.                                                       Thank You                                Prayer for our People

Dear God, protect our nation. Shelter our people and inspire our leaders.Help them bravely exercise good judgement and execute healthy plans.We commit their decisions to you.We pray for your hand to cover the world, preventing harm to further terrorize the innocent. We know you hate evil, but we also believe you love everyone, including our enemies. We are commanded to love by your example. Please help us meet this enormous challenge. It is perhaps our greatest task.Most importantly, we ask the protection of our children. May your trustworthy Spirit guard our homes and schools. We know you love them even more than we do.     Thank You.                                                                Amen 

                            Prayer for Light Dear God, our enemies seem too illusive to conquer. It feels like we are fighting an invisible beast. And yet, we trust in your strength. We are not defeated.Show us the power of your plan. Help us be alert to the signs.For you are always showing us the way. Your love and guidance are unceasing.In this hour of darkness, we rest in the assurance that you are by our side.You accompany us through the deepest valleys, even those of our own creation. Keep us safe as we walk with you. Secure our steps. Light our path. Help us not be afraid to continue forward. This, we ask in your wonderful name.                                                        Amen                   Mantra for HopeHope…We see you shining bright.Answering prayers.Eternal light…Be near us as we source our plight…….To heaven 

                         Prayer for our Hearts Higher power, you are a window of hope. You are the light at the end of every dark tunnel. Your hope shines brighter than the northern star, more radiant than a precious gem. In your love, we need not despair, for we are evolving toward a better place. We are coming home.There are so many questions and too few answers. We feel discouraged and alone. Shine comfort upon our hearts. Heal our wounds so that we can journey onward and help others. Equip us to share hope. It is our highest calling. We embrace this challenge. We are grateful for this opportunity. We are confident in your perfect outcomes.                                                                   Amen                        Prayer for Forgiveness

Dear God, we know our hearts are being tested. We are shaken by tragedy.The world is frightened. And yet, we know that vulnerability reveals the strength of our journey. We come to you in honesty and humility. We admit our part in today’s troubles. We confess the problems that have infected our hearts. Thank You for being a forgiving entity. Your gifts continue to flow even though we do not always deserve them. You never quit loving us.Liberate our understanding of hope. Help us see that it shines in your grace.Help our actions be noble, but instill in us the wisdom that hope lies beyond effort.It is ours, and yet it does not belong to us. It is within, and yet its source is far above.Refine our knowledge of justice, freedom and truth. Help us know that they are ours, but belong to you.       Amen                Prayer for the MomentPraise you dear God, for the hope we hold in this moment.We are embarking on an era of eternal promises.We trust our destiny. We see that we can affect the lives of others in a positive way.We thank you for our inspiration and resources. We know we are gatekeepers of infinite blessings.Show us the vivid colors of our mission. Secure our feet to the path of light.Help us not lose sight of our most precious values as we venture out anew.Help us not be diverted. We know that alteration is a key asset of our enemy.Although we are being led to conquer, help us remain grateful for the smaller victories within each day. Grant us the desire to savor each moment. We know that our greatest gifts are in the present. Herein lies the opportunity for success. It is where we find hope. It is where we discover love.                Prayer for Compassion    Give us the grace, dear God, to reach above our pain.To grow through our tragedies and help others do the same.May we encourage others. Free us from our blame.Fill the crevice of our needs. Heal our guilt and shame.For everyone longs to love. It’s the reason we became.And the reason we will die someday. All in your name.   

                        Prayer against PrejudiceDear God, it is easy to chastise those we do not understand. We stereotype, categorize, and brand groups of people, when the truth is there is no color or creed in good or evil. Please grant us compassion for those whom we fear. Help us love diversely and courageously. Help us befriend strangers. We know that each person we encounter enriches our lives.In this time of chaotic change and reformation, we return to our belief that love conquers all. We see our purpose. We search for direction.Please help us live at soul depth. Save us from blaspheming our faith.Give us opportunities to show compassion to those outside our circles of friendship.We are ready to forgive. We are ready to take risks. We are ready to love.                                                                        Amen 

           Prayer for Tolerance Dear God, deliver us from rigidity. Free us from hatred. Heal our indifferences.Recreate our thoughts in loving tolerance. Save us from selfish predetermination.We know we are born to understand and appreciate.Unify the world. Connect our thoughts and feelings and lead us in congruence.We seek harmony. We join our hearts in prayer. We seek your heart. For you are the King of tolerance. You have saved us many times, amidst our faults. Illumine our minds to consider the mirage of possibility. Grant us the power to sever our chains. Bless us in this new age, but help us not forget the past.   The new and the old are much alike. History has been repeated many times, and in this, we have been recreated. Tolerance helps us evolve. Compassion helps us flourish. Love gives us wings.        Thank You for these gifts.                        Amen                                                                                Prayer for Patience

Our country has been called to patience. We have spent much of our lives rushing and acquiring. Now, we are thrust into a corner, and yet this can be a cornerstone for categorical change. It is a time of reflection and reaffirmation. It is a time for love and compassion.Wisdom is upon us. We are seeing answers unveil to age-old questions.Help us live in the truth as it is revealed dear God. Help us learn to love as prescribed by our Apostles. Help us reach out with your hands, your eyes, and your heart.We see great needs. We are weak, and yet we are mighty. We see your needs.Help us meet each one with compassion. Help us take the time to nurture their roots.  And in your grace, let us be your healing comfort, and compassion. May our words be soothing and our actions strong. Your love will grow in this way. This we know, and we thank you.                                                                Amen                  

         A Prayer for Life  

      Here us, oh Lord for we are hungry…                We are weak.Feed us with your truth.Fill us with your strength.Hold us in your love.Now and forevermore…                                             Amen 

A Mantra for the Empty-Hearted Eternal God we praise…we singFill our hearts with everythingThat’s good and pure… most radiant light  Lead us through our darkest night.   Copyright 2009  Amy Lynn    (All rights reserved) 

     It is no secret. We are facing turbulent times. We are burdened by many things, globally and personally. Many of us are fearful. We are not quite sure which way to turn or what to do to help our challenging situation. We may feel as if we have reached a roadblock. We experience the pangs of hopelessness.   

     Some of us are feeling the squeeze financially with the highly volatile (even chaotic) economic situation. Many have lost their retirement savings, funds for the education of their children, even homes and jobs. It doesn’t seem fair. We do not understand. 

     Worse off are those who have suffered the devastation of natural disasters, such as the brave people in Texas and Louisiana, just to name a couple of areas that have been destroyed. They have lost everything. Help is there and more is on the way, but will it come soon enough? For that matter, will it be enough? After all, these folks have lost everything.They are hanging on by a thread.

     But probably the least fortunate are those who suffer personal devastation, perhaps a family tragedy or loss. Many have lost loved ones or have seen them hurt or torn. Some of us have been hurt ourselves, either by someone we love or someone we trusted.

      It is truly heartbreaking to consider all of the individual tragedies many of our families face these days.  From loss to addiction, abuse to suicide, too many of us are in the throws of life shattering circumstances. It is truly a shame.

     If we all have something in common these days, it is fear. Many of us have been hurt and some of us cannot see beyond our misfortune. We do not always see the solution, which is faith. “Everything happens for a reason” is a scripture saying that definitely applies today. We do not see the big picture. We cannot see the miracle that lies at the end of each dark tunnel.

     A River of Hope offers some encouragement in its passage for August 9:

                                          Fear/Trust

     Fear is miserable. It holds us in a dungeon where we lose faith and hope. If we remain in these chains, we slowly die. Fear poisons the soul. How do we escape fear? How do we break free from darkness when there is not enough light to see our way out?

     Trust is our light when we cannot see. It guides us to freedom. It brings us closer to God. God is love, and there can be no fear where perfect love exists.

     Some of us refuse to trust. It is not easy to rely on something we cannot see. It is even harder to have faith in something we do not understand. And yet if we can learn to trust, fear disappears and so does confusion. Our vision clears, and we see the way out.

     Trust is developed over time with practice and patience. Each time we feel overwhelmed, or we are frightened by life’s tragedies, we can trust God to see us through. He takes care of each and every detail. His love is strong enough to turn the worst situations around for the better.

     Placing our lives in God’s flawless care frees us from the painful grip of fear. Focusing our thoughts on love brings us comfort and peace. We do not have to remain in the dungeon unless we want to. We hold the key. We can let trust lead us to the light.

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        Trust and faith walk hand in hand. We are empowered to overcome life’s burdens and challenges when we strengthen in faith! In fact, faith is the antidote of fear. They cannot coexist. Faith lifts us above our problems.

     In every circumstance, we can come to know that a loving God is in charge of the universe. Our higher power will indeed work everything out for good. He is with us even in the darkest circumstances. When all seems lost, we are on the verge of gaining something much more valuable, something we did not have before. We may not understand, but we do not have to. God’s miracles work far above our limited perspective.

     I absolutely love to present my workshop on overcoming burden and building faith. I have seen thousands of people turn their situations around simply by turning their thoughts around. We can take our focus away from our fears, away from our burdens and problems, and strengthen in faith. This is the key to a happy life. It is the answer to all our problems.

     So, whether you are struggling right now or know of someone who is, let’s make a decision to overcome our obstacles in faith! The miracle is happening, even if we do not see it yet. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and we can believe in the journey. It will be rewarding. Some day, we will understand.