Take Courage

Take courage, oh my soul

When you have been pushed down

Get back up again

When the race seems too fierce

You find yourself lagging behind

Just keep one foot in front of the other

When the morning sky is gray and it feels like staying in bed would be a nice retreat

Take courage, oh my soul, and rise up

Sometimes the rain is beating down 

Life is messy but the water will dry

What’s a little mud?

And when your heart is breaking

When heaven holds the soul of one of your dearest

Live, Breathe

In the sharp pain of grief 

Trust the sun to shine again

Know that your life is worth more than rubies

Find comfort in the dirt

Like a child, run your fingers through it

Plant a seed of hope even as the tears fall like raindrops

Sorrow is not your enemy, oh my soul

Don’t cross your arms to a new friend

Let adventure sit next to you and whisper his ideas

Hope is found in the possibility

Forgive

Let the heart release the wrongs and start afresh

Never stop waking with intent

Let dreams bloom like flowers in a garden

Even like dandelions in spring

They may look troublesome to routine

But their yellow pedals can be used for food

God is not finished with you yet.

And write

Remember what has gone before

What God has done

And share how He will do it again

Remember that people make up the fabric of meaningful existence

Wrap yourself in Gratitude

A grateful heart finds the gift of significance

So take a break and watch the sunset with your Beloved

Pet the dog

Play tag with that little one that will soon be grown

Time is a moving target

Let go of clutter

Keep your loved ones close

Share

Bake

Cook

And comfort the younger one in her struggle

Your compassion matters

Walk, breathe deep, let the heart beat faster 

Sweat a little so you will gain strength 

Keep beating the boys

Dance every day

Don’t let the song run out

As long as there is breath in your lungs…

Sing, Oh my soul

Shut off the negative voice that says:

You Can’t

You Won’t

Not good enough

That voice never ages but his message is old

Take courage, oh my soul

Believe anything is possible

Wade in the water 

Take time to be refreshed

Roll up your sleeves and work diligently

Joy is found in both your work and rest so…

Be still,  alone with God

Feed your Faith

Do not neglect the Word of God

The ancient words still breathe

Train your ear to hear the voice of heaven

And…

Take courage, oh my soul