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How can a sinnerlike mebe the recipientof such mercyas thisoh how far downI have goneinto the depths of selfishnessand despairI stood thereknocking at the gates of Sheoljust to be pulled up by graceinto the light of lovethe balm that heals all woundsboth caused and received ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

The gifts of the Spiritare meant to be sharedthe Lord hoards nothingkeeps nothing to HimselfHis love overflowsin and through usthat we may love othersas He loves usgiving of ourselvesas He has given Himself to usevery heartbeat a blessingevery breath an opportunityto accept and express Christ ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Grafted to Christthe true vineHis Spiritprunes awaythat within mewhich does not serveHis purposethat through HimI may bearthe fruits of love ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

If it is truethat God is with me nowwhere have I to bebesides herewhat have I to fearif it is truethat God is in me nowwhat could I possibly lackwho have I to bebesides His beloved childif it is truewhat could be more truethan God with meGod in menow ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Demons convulsewithin memaking my heart restlessstirring my mind with fearI know this will passI know it is a liebut it feels like foreverlike this pain will never endease this sufferingtake this cup from megive me rest in you Lordmake my burden lightI will not break faith ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

I withdraw from love’swarming flamecowering in isolationa cold lonlinesschills me to my bonesbut this is not His willthis is not my fateHis light calls to methe flames of His lovedraw me out of darknesswarming my soulburning away my false selfcauterizing my woundswith graceuntil all that remainsis love and light ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

The Lord shines His lighton those thingswe least want to seethose places of shameguilt and fearthat we hide in the cornersof our beingthose things that make usfeel unworthyirredeemableHe shines His light on thesebecause His is the lightthat healsand He has heard our criesto live in darknessno more ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Grace is a giftnot easily acceptedpride and fearguilt and shameisolate me from the spiritI hide in the shadowsundeservingunworthyunlovableovercome with griefand sadnessbut His light shines throughthe cracks in this facadeof self belief ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

The storm passesleaving behindthe scent of renewalas the angry cloudsdissipatea rainbow emergesin the skya loving reminderof God’s covenantwe will not be washed awaywe will not be drowned by sinHe has rescued usfrom the watersof destructionwe need only acceptthis gift of salvation ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

When I look at youI pray to see youas Christ sees youwhen you approach meI pray to receive youas Christ receives youwhen I listen to youI pray to hear youas Christ hears youwhen you need meI pray to serve youas Christ serves youwhen I pray for youI pray to love youas Christ loves you…