Make Me New

Renew my mind that's sick and small. 

Refresh my heart that's sad and dry. 

Lift my heavy eyes today. 

Make me new. Make me new. 

Return the color to my world. 

Strengthen weary hands and arms. 

Lift this weight off of my soul. 

Give me grace for my shortcomings. 

Help me grow and overcome. 

Make an ending to my mourning. 

Comfort pain that aches for home. 

Bring me hope that carries burdens. 

Give me joy that clears my skies. 

May patience pave my paths with peace. 

Give me faith to breathe and stay. 

I am crumpled, small, and tired. 

I am lying in your hand. 

Smooth me out and make me lovely. 

Write a story on my face. 

May all who see me know your goodness;

All who hear me feel your love. 

This day is yours to recreate me. 

Here I am. Come; make me new. 

We Lie Side By Side

You're curled up in the dark
Breathing soft and slow.
Your warm and quiet presence
Is a mystery even now.

How many years did I sleep alone?
Now I never do.
You chased me down and caught me up.
You made me your bride.

My blanket is heavy and white.
Yours is thin and quilted dark.
We lie side by side,
Two silent pea pods.

What would we ever do with silence?
Your ugly fan keeps it away.
I've grown used to the whirring.
It is part of me, like you.

How many nights have I laid down
Taking you for granted?
Your quiet presence
Chases loneliness away.

Thank you.

My Psalm 63

You, God, are my God.
Earnestly I seek you.
Your hands form a mosaic from my broken pieces.
My whole being longs for you,
Because your voice is louder than my fears.
I have seen you in the darkest, dirtiest, most broken places.
Because your love is better than seeking my own path to happiness,
My heart chooses surrender.
I will praise you as long as I live,
And in your name I will sacrifice all of my own ambitions.
I will be fully satisfied as with Ghiradelli chocolate.
Every part of me will praise you.
When I see beauty triumph over brokenness,
I remember you.
I think of you as I get my hands messy.
Because you are my inspiration,
Beauty flows from my hands and lips.
I cleave to you,
Your loving daughter.

Time for Bed

Time For Bed
By: Joy Ortiz

Day is done
Silent bed
Darkened house
Heavy head

Blanket warm
Pillow deep
Drooping eyes
Time for sleep

Busy week
Hungry day
Mostly work
Bits of play

Circles run
Pages read
Day is done
Time for bed.

Love, Dream, Hope, Trust

Love, Dream, Hope, Trust
By: Joy Ortiz

Lazy, lagging,
Latent, languid,
Long-awaited
Love.

Dismal, doubtful,
Distant, dragging,
Deeply desired
Dream.

Hushed, heart-breaking,
Hampered, hated,
Hard-to-harbor
Hope.

Twisted, tired,
Tentative, torn,
Timid, tiny
Trust.

Because You Came

Because You Came
By: Joy Ortiz

Sleep is pit stop instead of a refuge.
Morning breaks, promising rather than grey.
Work is rewarding though payment is absent.
We become rich giving money away.

Life is redemption.
Grief becomes peace.
Love meets religion.
Faith becomes deeds.

Kindness reaps healing.
Weakness is power.
Hope never falters.
Grace wins the hour.

You shatter and heal us.
You bang up our pride.
You strip and reveal us.
You won't let us hide.

You douse us with wisdom.
You shake us with grace.
You bend us and stretch us.
You show us your face.

Your mercy is painful.
Your goodness cuts deep.
Your justice points fingers.
Your love makes us weep.

Our pride falls in splinters.
Our shame breaks like ice.
Our fear turns to courage.
Our self, sacrifice.

Our lives become worship.
Our breath becomes praise.
Our words become wisdom.
Our deeds become grace.

Our hearts become holy.
Our minds become pure.
Our eyes become windows.
Our ears become doors.

Our arms become shelter.
Our lips become truth.
Our knees become altars.
Our scars become proof.

I Am; I Will

I Am; I Will

Heavy-hearted
Weak and tired
Same old battles
How long, oh Lord?
Seeking freedom
Living pain
Breathing questions
Lying down
Hands are empty
Knees are raw
Voice is gone
Eyes are dry
Wait in silence
Hope for peace
Wade through lies
Search for truth
Reach for love
Cry for mercy
Hold to promise
Tie to faith
Work for future
Wait for growth
Trust for answers
Pray for home
Call for Father
Cling to Friend
Reach for Savior
Walk in light
Don't stop loving
Don't give up
Keep on trying
Follow God