The following was written for my daughter Megan after hearing about a particularly difficult day she had raising her beautiful little girls Faith, Lily, and Grace.
When life’s burdens weigh you down,
And all your castles crumble ‘round,
Remember that the Lord above,
Sent you the gift of Faith to love.
And when your plans don’t turn out right.
You pass another sleepless night,
Continuing seems oh, so silly,
For patience God sent you this Lily.
In all the trials of motherhood,
And when you did all that you could,
But still you have a messy place,
That’s why the Lord sent you His Grace.
So don’t despair when things look dim.
Just let your heart rise up to Him.
Don’t wallow in the muck and mire.
The Lord tests all His gold in fire.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Dear Hennessey Family,
Recently I had the opportunity to endure a little pain and to offer my sufferings in union with those of Christ on the cross. With your mother gently reminding me not to let the suffering go to waste, I did the best I could to make use of my suffering without being burdensome to others. I’m truly grateful for all the prayers I received and especially for the loving care from Mary during that time. I had many opportunities during my recovery to reflect on my blessings. I also had occasion to repent of the many times I have ignored the sufferings of others, or been so caught up in my own interests that I was blind to the needs of those around me. I think I gained a new appreciation for the kind of love that Jesus calls us to have in our everyday life.
When we say love, we think of warm, soft, and secure, but the love of Jesus freely chose birth in a stable, a life among the poor, and eventually death on a cross. I invite you all this Christmas season to take the time to reflect on His brand of love, and how to bring it about in your lives.
Have a blessed Christmas, and a holy 2011.
Love Makes the World Go ‘Round
Love makes the world go ‘round, they say
And oh, how true it is.
For Love is what created all,
That ever was or is.
True love, the kind our Father showed
When sending us His Son,
Born in a humble stable from,
The holy virgin one.
No pomp or circumstance surround
The birth of this great King.
But shepherds round a feeding trough,
To witness such a thing.
Snuggled down in swaddling clothes,
The donkey’s warming breath,
Few comforts for this little one,
Our Savior, born for death.
Great love He showed throughout His life.
The elders, stupefied.
And so, the Wonder, Counselor,
They had Him crucified.
We know not Love when often we,
Intent on selfish gain,
Reject true love and turn from Him,
To just avoid some pain.
Love makes the world go ‘round they say
And oh, how true it is.
But not the proud and worthless kind,
The humble brand of His.
So stop tonight before you rest,
Before the manger where,
The shepherds and the angels gazed,
Upon the infant fair.
And ponder if your love does make
For others all around,
The world spin a little quick,
Or does it slow it down?
Recently I had the opportunity to endure a little pain and to offer my sufferings in union with those of Christ on the cross. With your mother gently reminding me not to let the suffering go to waste, I did the best I could to make use of my suffering without being burdensome to others. I’m truly grateful for all the prayers I received and especially for the loving care from Mary during that time. I had many opportunities during my recovery to reflect on my blessings. I also had occasion to repent of the many times I have ignored the sufferings of others, or been so caught up in my own interests that I was blind to the needs of those around me. I think I gained a new appreciation for the kind of love that Jesus calls us to have in our everyday life.
When we say love, we think of warm, soft, and secure, but the love of Jesus freely chose birth in a stable, a life among the poor, and eventually death on a cross. I invite you all this Christmas season to take the time to reflect on His brand of love, and how to bring it about in your lives.
Have a blessed Christmas, and a holy 2011.
Love Makes the World Go ‘Round
Love makes the world go ‘round, they say
And oh, how true it is.
For Love is what created all,
That ever was or is.
True love, the kind our Father showed
When sending us His Son,
Born in a humble stable from,
The holy virgin one.
No pomp or circumstance surround
The birth of this great King.
But shepherds round a feeding trough,
To witness such a thing.
Snuggled down in swaddling clothes,
The donkey’s warming breath,
Few comforts for this little one,
Our Savior, born for death.
Great love He showed throughout His life.
The elders, stupefied.
And so, the Wonder, Counselor,
They had Him crucified.
We know not Love when often we,
Intent on selfish gain,
Reject true love and turn from Him,
To just avoid some pain.
Love makes the world go ‘round they say
And oh, how true it is.
But not the proud and worthless kind,
The humble brand of His.
So stop tonight before you rest,
Before the manger where,
The shepherds and the angels gazed,
Upon the infant fair.
And ponder if your love does make
For others all around,
The world spin a little quick,
Or does it slow it down?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Suffering
Another unfinished one...
Is any suffering like mine,
The suffering of the Holy Vine,
The lamb of God the innocent,
The One who calls us to repent?
We see in Him the horror of
So many choices lacking love.
But in His choice on Calvary,
He showed true Love for all to see.
Our every burden on the cross,
Where every dignity was lost,
Uttered forth from God's own Son,
"Forgive them all for what they've done."
The perfect sacrifice once made,
The debt for all our sins was paid....
Is any suffering like mine,
The suffering of the Holy Vine,
The lamb of God the innocent,
The One who calls us to repent?
We see in Him the horror of
So many choices lacking love.
But in His choice on Calvary,
He showed true Love for all to see.
Our every burden on the cross,
Where every dignity was lost,
Uttered forth from God's own Son,
"Forgive them all for what they've done."
The perfect sacrifice once made,
The debt for all our sins was paid....
Advice
I got distracted and never finished this:
Some words of fatherly advice
I wish to share with you.
I pray you keep them in your mind
And know just what to do.
Your mother is a special one
The woman called my wife.
Her love is quite the reason why
You have the gift of life.
Respect her wishes even when
To you they seem unfair.
Her motives in the rules she makes
Proclaim maternal care.
Be generous with all you have
To others freely give.
For money in the foolish hand’s
Like water in a sieve.
Learn wisdom at whatever price
Some words of fatherly advice
I wish to share with you.
I pray you keep them in your mind
And know just what to do.
Your mother is a special one
The woman called my wife.
Her love is quite the reason why
You have the gift of life.
Respect her wishes even when
To you they seem unfair.
Her motives in the rules she makes
Proclaim maternal care.
Be generous with all you have
To others freely give.
For money in the foolish hand’s
Like water in a sieve.
Learn wisdom at whatever price
A Gift for Me
Christmas 2009
To the children and young adults of the Hennessey tribe,
Every year at this time I hear friends or folks at work complaining about their family gatherings. It seems that very few families, if any, are exempt from some type of estrangement within their ranks. I consider myself very blessed to have a family that truly does love one another. I pray that each of you develop a deep appreciation for the blessings you have in your siblings and in-laws. God has chosen us to be the members of this special domestic church, and it’s our obligation to be a light for the world and salt for the earth.
Early in his ministry, Fr. Al used to say that 50% of life’s problems were caused by a lack of forgiveness. Toward the end of his ministry, he said that failing to forgive caused at least 99% of our problems. . . I believe his later opinion was correct. When we are humble and quick to forgive the faults and failings of others we bring Christ into the lives of those who offend us. The whole reason for this season and Christ coming into the world was for the forgiveness of sins.
I wrote this poem because folks are always wondering what to get me for Christmas, and there really is not much that I need. But the greatest gift I could imagine would be the gift of a strong Catholic faith, a humble spirit, and a steadfast love for God and neighbor, in every member of my family.
A Gift For Me
The greatest Christmas gift for me
Cannot be found beneath the tree.
No bow surround, nor box contain
What I desire to obtain.
Not snow about on Christmas day
Nor some new toy with which to play
The gift so great that I describe
Is from the members of this tribe.
The gift of all in one accord
Committed to our faithful Lord
In chastity and love divine
Held firmly to the living Vine.
I look around and see such pain
From grasping after greedy gain
And unforgiving hearts are rent
In those refusing to repent.
No job is this for faint of heart,
For those who see and then depart,
That work is needed in this place
Refusing sanctifying grace.
It’s work for me and work for you
To show His love in all we do.
And grant forgiveness to them all
For their offenses great and small.
But this is what I ask of thee
Instead of presents under tree.
A humble spirit, soul, and mind
The Christmas gift I hope to find.
In every single child of mine
On every branch upon this vine.
A firm attachment to the Root,
Then you will bear abundant fruit.
To the children and young adults of the Hennessey tribe,
Every year at this time I hear friends or folks at work complaining about their family gatherings. It seems that very few families, if any, are exempt from some type of estrangement within their ranks. I consider myself very blessed to have a family that truly does love one another. I pray that each of you develop a deep appreciation for the blessings you have in your siblings and in-laws. God has chosen us to be the members of this special domestic church, and it’s our obligation to be a light for the world and salt for the earth.
Early in his ministry, Fr. Al used to say that 50% of life’s problems were caused by a lack of forgiveness. Toward the end of his ministry, he said that failing to forgive caused at least 99% of our problems. . . I believe his later opinion was correct. When we are humble and quick to forgive the faults and failings of others we bring Christ into the lives of those who offend us. The whole reason for this season and Christ coming into the world was for the forgiveness of sins.
I wrote this poem because folks are always wondering what to get me for Christmas, and there really is not much that I need. But the greatest gift I could imagine would be the gift of a strong Catholic faith, a humble spirit, and a steadfast love for God and neighbor, in every member of my family.
A Gift For Me
The greatest Christmas gift for me
Cannot be found beneath the tree.
No bow surround, nor box contain
What I desire to obtain.
Not snow about on Christmas day
Nor some new toy with which to play
The gift so great that I describe
Is from the members of this tribe.
The gift of all in one accord
Committed to our faithful Lord
In chastity and love divine
Held firmly to the living Vine.
I look around and see such pain
From grasping after greedy gain
And unforgiving hearts are rent
In those refusing to repent.
No job is this for faint of heart,
For those who see and then depart,
That work is needed in this place
Refusing sanctifying grace.
It’s work for me and work for you
To show His love in all we do.
And grant forgiveness to them all
For their offenses great and small.
But this is what I ask of thee
Instead of presents under tree.
A humble spirit, soul, and mind
The Christmas gift I hope to find.
In every single child of mine
On every branch upon this vine.
A firm attachment to the Root,
Then you will bear abundant fruit.
Fasting
Oh Lord please help me fast today
I want to learn more how to pray
To turn away from selfish sin
And feel your love down deep within.
I often try and often fail,
My will alone is oh so frail.
I need from You that passion strength,
And grace to love, at any length.
Remind me when the Tempter’s near,
That with Your strength I need not fear.
If I but strip away the pride,
I can continue at Your side.
Now teach me pleasure to forsake,
And with the saints alliance make,
That I might overcome this stress,
And in its place find happiness.
I want to learn more how to pray
To turn away from selfish sin
And feel your love down deep within.
I often try and often fail,
My will alone is oh so frail.
I need from You that passion strength,
And grace to love, at any length.
Remind me when the Tempter’s near,
That with Your strength I need not fear.
If I but strip away the pride,
I can continue at Your side.
Now teach me pleasure to forsake,
And with the saints alliance make,
That I might overcome this stress,
And in its place find happiness.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Molasses Cookies
When coming home from work one night,
I sauntered into to quite a sight.
The place a buzz from busy lads
With cookie sheets and oven pads.
Flour and sugar everywhere.
“Look at this place, it’s quite a scare!
What has all this mess come from?”
“Molasses cookies, say yum yum!”
“You must know, your daddy wishes,
That you also clean the dishes.”
“No fear dad. It’s in the plan.
And even help, the toddler can.”
Then walking past the pantry door,
I spied a blob down on the floor.
Suspicious size, and jaded hue,
“What is this? A piece of pooh!?”
“Don’t worry dad” said elder son,
“I’ll scrape it up here with my thumb.
Surely it is no great matter,
Just a touch of cookie batter.”
When off he went to wash his hand
I heard a scream that pierced the land.
For on his thumb, what had he got?
Molasses cookie, it was NOT!
I sauntered into to quite a sight.
The place a buzz from busy lads
With cookie sheets and oven pads.
Flour and sugar everywhere.
“Look at this place, it’s quite a scare!
What has all this mess come from?”
“Molasses cookies, say yum yum!”
“You must know, your daddy wishes,
That you also clean the dishes.”
“No fear dad. It’s in the plan.
And even help, the toddler can.”
Then walking past the pantry door,
I spied a blob down on the floor.
Suspicious size, and jaded hue,
“What is this? A piece of pooh!?”
“Don’t worry dad” said elder son,
“I’ll scrape it up here with my thumb.
Surely it is no great matter,
Just a touch of cookie batter.”
When off he went to wash his hand
I heard a scream that pierced the land.
For on his thumb, what had he got?
Molasses cookie, it was NOT!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Work
The work that God assigns to me
Is how I learn and come to be,
The one who freely does his part,
And thus becomes His work of art.
By trusting in the word of Him
Instead of just my foolish whim,
I come to see this work of mine
As part of mighty plan divine.
For happiness I’ve found is where
We labor hard and do our share
To bring His kingdom here on earth
And grant to many souls new birth.
Is how I learn and come to be,
The one who freely does his part,
And thus becomes His work of art.
By trusting in the word of Him
Instead of just my foolish whim,
I come to see this work of mine
As part of mighty plan divine.
For happiness I’ve found is where
We labor hard and do our share
To bring His kingdom here on earth
And grant to many souls new birth.
Wherever You Wander
Wherever you wander along the dark road,
Whatever the burden, whatever the load,
There’s one who can help you, and brighten your way.
He’s there right beside you each hour of the day.
Though sadness may come, and your troubles abound,
He’ll shoulder your cross as you walk through the town.
The font of all wisdom, the source of all light,
Will grant peaceful rest, in the still of the night.
Whatever the burden, whatever the load,
There’s one who can help you, and brighten your way.
He’s there right beside you each hour of the day.
Though sadness may come, and your troubles abound,
He’ll shoulder your cross as you walk through the town.
The font of all wisdom, the source of all light,
Will grant peaceful rest, in the still of the night.
Wedding Bells
Those wedding bells of long ago
Still ring within my heart,
And send a tingle through my bones
That touches every part.
When love was kindled in my soul.
What treasure I had found!
Not just a girl of dreams was this,
But love pure and profound.
And now a quarter century past,
Our love still burning bright.
Eight glowing embers warming us,
Fruit of our wedding night.
My bride is aging gracefully.
I pray to do the same.
As hand in hand we walk with Him,
The One from whom we came.
This bond we have is more than two,
Our Lord provides the strength.
To persevere in troubled times
That stretch to any length.
I didn’t know back on that day
When we both said “I do”.
That marriage was a state in life
That needed more than two.
But through the years I’ve come to see
That feeble flesh is weak.
It’s only by the grace of God,
These wedding vows we keep.
When in the eyes of worldly ones
Our strength and beauty fade.
The Holy One reveals to us
The wonder He has made.
This Sacrament a sacred sign
For all the world to see.
The love of Christ for all his Church
Shines forth through you and me.
Still ring within my heart,
And send a tingle through my bones
That touches every part.
When love was kindled in my soul.
What treasure I had found!
Not just a girl of dreams was this,
But love pure and profound.
And now a quarter century past,
Our love still burning bright.
Eight glowing embers warming us,
Fruit of our wedding night.
My bride is aging gracefully.
I pray to do the same.
As hand in hand we walk with Him,
The One from whom we came.
This bond we have is more than two,
Our Lord provides the strength.
To persevere in troubled times
That stretch to any length.
I didn’t know back on that day
When we both said “I do”.
That marriage was a state in life
That needed more than two.
But through the years I’ve come to see
That feeble flesh is weak.
It’s only by the grace of God,
These wedding vows we keep.
When in the eyes of worldly ones
Our strength and beauty fade.
The Holy One reveals to us
The wonder He has made.
This Sacrament a sacred sign
For all the world to see.
The love of Christ for all his Church
Shines forth through you and me.
Vocation
A point in every life is reached
Where questions do abound.
Why am I here? What shall I do?
Some purpose must be found.
For every child of God there is
a plan unique in time,
Formed by Christ the author of
Each life on earth sublime.
Vocation is the term we use
Describing heaven’s call.
It’s not a job. It’s more than that.
Vocation is our all!
In priesthood or religious life
Or single for the Lord,
Our lives must be examples of
Submission to his word.
In marriage where the two are one
The fruit of life is given.
Reflecting for us here on earth
Christ and the Church in heaven.
A special purpose for each one
That no one else can fill,
Where happiness supreme is found
Submitting to his will.
To find this perfect will of God
Designed for only you,
Submit to Him in everything,
Increase your prayer life too.
Through sacrifices freely made
Detaching from our mind
The lure of wealth and chains of sin
To God we now incline.
And clearly hear his call to us
That beckons from within.
You hear his voice. Why wait? Act now!
New life will then begin.
Where questions do abound.
Why am I here? What shall I do?
Some purpose must be found.
For every child of God there is
a plan unique in time,
Formed by Christ the author of
Each life on earth sublime.
Vocation is the term we use
Describing heaven’s call.
It’s not a job. It’s more than that.
Vocation is our all!
In priesthood or religious life
Or single for the Lord,
Our lives must be examples of
Submission to his word.
In marriage where the two are one
The fruit of life is given.
Reflecting for us here on earth
Christ and the Church in heaven.
A special purpose for each one
That no one else can fill,
Where happiness supreme is found
Submitting to his will.
To find this perfect will of God
Designed for only you,
Submit to Him in everything,
Increase your prayer life too.
Through sacrifices freely made
Detaching from our mind
The lure of wealth and chains of sin
To God we now incline.
And clearly hear his call to us
That beckons from within.
You hear his voice. Why wait? Act now!
New life will then begin.
Unity Tried
Written for my Godparents on their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
For fifty years long
Their love has been strong
This Walsh/Bessler combo is golden.
We honor this bond
Of which we’re so fond
Their six fine children beholdin’.
For now half a century
Their love’s been a sentry
Guarding their family from strife.
Through storms and rough road
When heavy the load
These vows were their anchor for life.
Now Alice and Bill
You’re not over the hill
Just aged like fine mellow wine.
See now we all ponder
Your love it’s a wonder
A marriage blessed by the Divine.
God’s love you did show
You let everyone know
That your marriage would surely abide.
God’s blessings have flowed
And on you he bestowed
The great honor of unity tried!
For fifty years long
Their love has been strong
This Walsh/Bessler combo is golden.
We honor this bond
Of which we’re so fond
Their six fine children beholdin’.
For now half a century
Their love’s been a sentry
Guarding their family from strife.
Through storms and rough road
When heavy the load
These vows were their anchor for life.
Now Alice and Bill
You’re not over the hill
Just aged like fine mellow wine.
See now we all ponder
Your love it’s a wonder
A marriage blessed by the Divine.
God’s love you did show
You let everyone know
That your marriage would surely abide.
God’s blessings have flowed
And on you he bestowed
The great honor of unity tried!
Twenty Seven
Twenty Seven, almost heaven,
Me and Mary Dee.
For years of bliss, I have but this,
A gentle kiss for thee.
You surely know, a shoot did grow,
The day that we were wed.
Now strong of root, with lots of fruit,
Our branches start to spread.
With empty hand I come and stand,
Before my lovely bride.
And ask again if you will spend,
A lifetime by my side.
Not much to give, but you can live,
With me this humble part.
And this be sure, our love is pure,
Dear Mary has my heart.
Me and Mary Dee.
For years of bliss, I have but this,
A gentle kiss for thee.
You surely know, a shoot did grow,
The day that we were wed.
Now strong of root, with lots of fruit,
Our branches start to spread.
With empty hand I come and stand,
Before my lovely bride.
And ask again if you will spend,
A lifetime by my side.
Not much to give, but you can live,
With me this humble part.
And this be sure, our love is pure,
Dear Mary has my heart.
Tubby Time
( To the tune of Silver Bells)
Sing to the tune of "Silver Bells"
Dirty elbows, stinky armpits
Muddy kneecaps you see
In the air there’s aromas of children.
Crusty faces, sticky fingers,
Lots of gummy toe jam,
and from the mother of boys you will hear…
“Tubby time, tubby time,
It’s tubby time for the little guys”
Hear the water going bloop bloop bloop
I smell poop.
Those bubbles are burning my eyes!
Sing to the tune of "Silver Bells"
Dirty elbows, stinky armpits
Muddy kneecaps you see
In the air there’s aromas of children.
Crusty faces, sticky fingers,
Lots of gummy toe jam,
and from the mother of boys you will hear…
“Tubby time, tubby time,
It’s tubby time for the little guys”
Hear the water going bloop bloop bloop
I smell poop.
Those bubbles are burning my eyes!
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