Palanca (poems) for Cursillo -- 300 & 301

 

But who do you say that I am?

Cursillo #300 (April 2022)

How do we question who Jesus is in our lives?

The exploring goes deeper than we might think.

We must delve into connections beyond our current understanding.

Are we ready for the answers we’ll find?

     But who do you say that I am?

 

Once we’ve found answers, then what’s next?

We’re then called/challenged to share the Jesus we’ve received.

Jesus wants to be made known to all, through us.

We can help build God’s kingdom by sharing.

     We share Jesus that others can know Him.

 

Live in the Light of Christ

Cursillo #301 (April 2022)

We are filled in many ways to shine so brightly

The light of Christ that sparks a fire within

Be the example that spills onto others openly

Introduce to them new ideas that open pathways

     Live a-LIGHT-ed that others may be renewed

 

Others are brought to our path so we can share God

Building the kingdom by sharing the faith that burns within us

Inviting to explore and find connections to Christ renewed

Shining brightly the light that is gained, and to be shared

      Be the Christ Light bestowed upon us to build community

 

Palanca

         This term was introduced to me as a Spanish word meaning “lever” to lift another toward God with prayer and sacrifice.  Then a note of support and encouragement can be added to communicate the feelings to one or more people.

Realizing WHO’s We Are

Realizing WHO’s We Are

Who we are vs. Who’s we are

          Discovering who we are vs. Who’s we are can change our perspective.  The person we are reveals many things about us, but Who’s we are shows our connectedness and that we belong to One greater.

          The “who we are” might show us some things about the personal characteristics contained but may be limited in the context of the family we fit into.  In community we thrive more than in solitude.

          My older son earned his Eagle Scout rank/badge.  I told the Troop that Eagle Scout is not an individual accomplishment.  Rather it is a family thing and a Troop thing as well as a community thing.  The groups we are part of contribute greatly to projects that build us up.

          Growing is done immensely in environments in which we’re planted.  We bloom as beautiful products in ways beyond our own envisioning with factors we might not consider.

          What we pick up along our journey are bits that stick to us in various methods.  The “Who” can implant some incredible resources in us and through us.  Be open to receive, be open to share.

Responds-Ability

Responds-Ability

Amazing Opportunities We Have

          There are many chances for us to do things with which we’re faced.  We have a great responsibility to do right and make good choices for ourselves and others too.

          Our commitment to follow through calls/challenges us to respond as our ability allows.  The “can I do ______” or “should I do ______” puts a great deal of decisions in our path.

          The stories we share, the ways we inspire others or questions answered can bring about newness of spirit to all that receive.  Ideas that come across because of suggestions made might spark flames and burn incredibly.

          Opportunities we’re blessed with can cherish amazing thoughts that bring something new to our being.  Our name called out is a familiar sound that draws us to do some things beyond a comfort zone.

          Responses are a key to being involved and our ability to accomplish the tasks before us.  So much impacts our lives with the “DO” chances; we are so able to use talents and efforts in amazing ways.

          We are called/challenged to respond, not react.  Our society does not recognize and honor "first-reacters"; rather we revere "first-responders".

Your Love Never Fails (Nov. 2014 Confirmation Retreat)

Your Love Never Fails

Confirmation Retreat, April 11th-13th, 2014

I’ve walked this path to seek some peace

Struggles and challenges just never cease

Your Presence and messages come in flashes

With love’s abundant refreshing splashes!

Your Love Never Fails

As you’ve received, you must also give,

That they’ll be blessed, and also live.

A shared faith for a strengthened union,

Openly receive, become a holy communion!

God’s Love is Never Failing!

Presence Spills Onto Us

Presence Spills Onto Us

          The Presence of God reaches into our lives at an incredible level, to the point of enhancing our being while also affecting all that are brought to the path we are on.  The revelations come our way through various sources as long as we’re open to such possibilities.

          Sensing things around feed us in many experiences we see, hear, touch, smell, etc.  We can absorb so much benefit from things that impact our being immensely.

          When we gain some context about a situation or story, which can add more understanding about the occurrence.  It brings more meaning and fills our mind and soul with greatness.  The closeness is with God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) as well as strengthening the community connections are enhanced.

          Togetherness builds relationships by just being around one another and nearby to share perspectives and grow alongside our sisters and brothers.  When we walk beside each other, we’re also walking the person home.

          Our call and challenge is to build community while contributing to the kingdom effort.  We are containers and the Presence keeps filling and spilling that others can be blessed with words and stories.  Receive and give generously.

Live In Gratitude; All The Time

Live In Gratitude; All The Time

(Be grateful for everything)

          We have so many blessings in our lives and lots for us to be thankful.  A life filled with gratitude is before us to choose.  Even when we face the vast challenges there is something positive we can find in the experience.

          Being thankful builds connections in our relationships and the bonds of our community is strengthened.  To live in gratitude we find increased happiness and the level of joy fills us to the point of spilling over onto all that are brought to our path.

When we’re focused on being thankful our lives can be centered on some things beyond what limits us.  There is so much more to see that opens us to a grand view.

          To be in a place of giving thanks is such an experience exposing us to blessings that reveal greatness and we are filled with joyousness.  The “all the time” being grateful changes our perspective in life so we are more giving.

          To exist in an other-centered environment is to be seeing the needs of people in an on-going way and responding accordingly.  Serving in a thankful method is an outreach that shares our faith in an incredible manner.