We all start out taking tiny, baby steps,
and by using the lessons we learn
from our catechism classes,
we each climb at our own pace.
Each stairway has many plateaus,
places where we can pause and discern,
where epiphanies come to us,
little bits of sunshine and strength
that help us to continue on.
Each plateau that we reach
gives us a different perspective,
for some, we keep looking down,
judging those beneath us,
and congratulating ourselves,
that we are on the top.
But when we reach other plateaus,
we decide to keep looking up,
eager to discern God's next lesson,
while praying for those around us.
One day we feel the desire,
to spend more time,
ruminating on our plateau,
meditating with the Words
that God plants in our heart,
Words that break through
our sometimes rocky, hard soul,
and flower when the time is right.
And as we continue to travel our stairway,
we come to the realization that each step,
contains a special gift from God.
Sometimes it is the peace that comes with patience,
other times is it the strength we get from hope,
or the faith that leads to trust,
or the gratitude that is the precursor of praise,
knowing that each step will bring us closer to God.
And when our dark night of the soul,
comes crashing in with its terrifying
storm clouds of chaos and confusion,
raining down hailstones of grief,
we become blinded with intense pain and sorrow.
But when our dark night finally vanishes,
as all dark nights eventually do,
we simply look up and praise God,
so that we are spiritually prepared,
for when the forces of evil return to attack us,
with all of their wicked, weapons of warfare.
And, if it should ever happen that
evil successfully knocks us down,
our angels are there to catch us and keep us safe,
and remind us how much God loves and cares for us.
So, no matter where we are on our stairway,
if our joy brightly illuminates the sky,
or if our tsunami is drowning us with a deluge of sorrow,
we are exactly where we are supposed to be.
Then, as we climb our own personal stairway to sanctity,
may we remember to praise God for the graces HE bestows,
as well as to trust that HE will always be there,
to help us to feel protected and loved.
God Loves Each of Us As If There Were Only One of Us1
1Saint Augustine
March 28, 2025
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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As we each sat in Your presence,
sharing our joys and sorrows,
You gave us exactly what we needed.
No matter what was going on,
with the whirlwinds in our world,
or the inner struggles in our heart,
You sat quietly beside us.
And as we sat in the silence,
Your presence gave us peace,
and You graced us with many blessings,
that gave us courage and strength.
The epiphanies You showered upon us,
helped us to understand and endure,
the rain that deluged our days,
as well as the sun that shone
brightly down upon us.
The basket of prayer intentions,
gave us the opportunity to offer up to You,
all the pain and suffering,
as well as the joys and happiness,
of all our family, friends and neighbors.
All the years that the Chapel has been open,
You have subtly helped each one of us,
advance in our spiritual lives,
in ways we never dreamed possible.
Some days you encouraged us,
while other days you just sat quietly,
listening while we poured out our hearts,
and other times we both sat in silence,
You looking at us,
as we looked at You.
We are trying not to be sad,
as we wind down to the end,
of the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel,
as we knew it.
However, our faith in You gives us the hope,
that as we wait for the final decision,
on what the future will look like,
You will bless all the faithful adorers,
that kept You company for all these years.
March 26, 2025
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Whenever we find ourselves,
in a desert of spiritual dryness,
because those we count on,
for guidance and encouragement,
are thousands of miles away,
deviating and horribly disoriented,
in their own personal desert,
of their trials and tribulations.
It is then that we must turn to God,
HE will help us through our struggles,
even if we discover ourselves,
to be aimlessly wandering in the dessert,
for forty days or forty years.
We pick up our Rosaries and turn to Mary,
and with eyes turned toward the cross,
we ponder the Sorrowful Mysteries,
and pray for the fruits of courage and patience,
but most of all, for perseverance.
Mary and the Saints will help us,
to keep our eyes moving forward,
when we feel like our own lights,
have dimmed and are fading.
Eventually, God's light is able to show us,
that we perceive our current situation,
through our short-sighted, subjective lens,
and once we adjust our aperture settings,
we can step back and see things with our heart.
When we do this we are able to observe,
what we consider the limitations of others,
that when lined up beside our own long list,
we discover how closely our lists are aligned.
And as we acknowledge this new insight,
all our judgmental cataracts fall away,
and we are gifted with the compassion,
to see others through the eyes of our heart.
And with this new found vision,
our perceptions are forever changed,
and with a more profound understanding,
we are able to make the appropriate adjustments,
so we can boldly proceed forward,
confident that God will always be with us.
God our Father,
hear our morning prayer
and let the radiance of Your love
scatter the gloom of our hearts.
The light of heaven's love has restored us to life:
free us from the desires that belong to darkness.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
February 18, 2024
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Each new day begins,
with a fresh, white canvas,
just waiting to be covered,
with a myriad of possibilities,
using all the blessings of a rainbow.
Or it can be,
a blank piece of paper,
breathless with anticipation,
for God's wonderful words,
to be penned on its pages.
However, there is danger,
skulking about in the shadows,
fierce, ugly creatures,
alert for any opportunity,
to confuse and entrap us.
The good news is that,
like the Blessed Virgin Mary,
when we ponder closely,
the random and bizarre thoughts,
that pop into our head,
and we ask for the Holy Spirit's
guidance and grace,
our Shakespearean life becomes,
a light that illumines the world.
Yet, for many of us,
our frail, human brains,
are drawn to worldly pleasures,
which can unknowingly lead us down,
dark and dangerous paths.
But if we, with child-like trust,
surrender our selfish pride and ego,
release all our mistaken perceptions,
choose to boldly carry our crosses,
and give our faithfulness to God,
His loving and merciful providence,
will grace us with His blessings,
grander than any we could ever dream of.
Father,
may everything we do
begin with Your inspiration
and continue with Your saving help.
Let our work always find its origin in You
and through You reach completion.
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Prayer from: Divine Office, Morning Prayer, Week I
February 5, 2024
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves,
for the wind was against it.
(Matthew 14:22-23)
As we walk on the water,
that is our daily journey,
we desperately attempt to keep,
our eyes focused on Jesus,
but we are often distracted,
by the turbulence that surrounds us.
Some days we are successful,
as the storms seem to dissipate,
and the sun shines brightly,
revealing a special path,
that is clearly marked for us.
So, as we walk forward with the hope,
that we are following God’s will,
we realize the calm, serene water,
reflects God’s goodness.
Knowing that God’s love,
is source of our strength,
gives us the courage,
to share His love and mercy,
with all those we meet.
Meanwhile, life happens…
Peter got out of the boat and began
to walk on the water toward Jesus…
(Matthew 14:29)
When we struggle to keep our eyes on Jesus,
the waves of confusion and frustration,
wash over our wounded hearts,
and the waves of our pain and suffering,
push us down into the churning water.
And as the strong currents,
pull at our legs,
and our arms thrash about,
trying to keep ourselves afloat.
And we continue,
with our stubborn pride,
determined to save ourselves,
from the swirling whirlpool,
of our own fears.
However, whenever we
remember to bring Jesus
in all our “meanwhile” moments,
HE is there
Jesus is always waiting within us,
and HE whispers to us,
“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
(Matthew 14:27)
And these words give us the strength
to look up at hand above us
that is there to pull us to safety.
July 10, 2023
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Whenever shocking news,
whether it be a towering twister,
or a simple cloud burst,
that manifests on a calm, sunny day,
our initial reaction may be,
sheer shock and disbelief.
But, when Joseph, the accepting father,
encountered any system of
cloudy circumstances,
he turned to his faith in God,
and allowed his trust and confidence
in the Almighty, to guide him.
However, for most of us,
our emotions usually vacillate,
somewhere in between,
a downpour and a monsoon.
Sadly, we may be missing,
an auspicious opportunity,
for God to display for us,
how He can produce flowers,
from stony ground.
Whatever our decision making process,
most people check their local weather report,
as well as review the previous weather patterns,
in order to reach the best conclusion.
But Joseph ignored whatever weather
was going on outside his window,
and without any hesitation,
he accepted the mysterious messages,
and he chose to embrace them,
as if they were his own.
And while some are able to learn,
from the outcomes of their past choices,
others choose to remain hostages,
to their unrealistic expectations,
and the disastrous tempests that
inevitably follow.
(Pope Francis, Patris Corde)
The spiritual path that Joseph followed,
was one of acceptance of God's will,
which came from his strong belief,
in the power of prayer.
And because of this,
his attitude toward his tsunami of trials,
is one of hope and courage,
and with the Spirit's gift of fortitude,
he calmly endures all of life's frustrations.
Joseph, as the Father of orphans
and protector of widows,
encourages us to love
the stranger in our midst,
by accepting everyone we meet.
So, no matter the severity of storms,
that others may endure in their souls,
with the help of St. Joseph,
we graciously welcome everyone,
with a charitable, compassionate heart,
and eyes that see as God sees.
May 17, 2023
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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At some point, in our lives,
suffering comes to visit us all,
and for a few, it's the neighbor,
who pops in with his sneezes,
and irritating, phlegmy cough.
Whereas for others,
it's an annoying relative,
that swoops in,
with a barrage of baggage,
and a horde of valises,
that contains a multitude of viruses,
that accosts us with,
a paralysis of spirit.
For those of us whose suffering,
is invisible to most of the world,
our hearts are bewildered and besieged,
by overwhelming pain and sorrow,
and we become broken and unloved.
But when our suffering is obvious,
many of us despairingly evolve into,
a loathsome sight to our neighbors
and an object of dread to our friends.1
And when our pain becomes unbearable,
our daily meals metamorphose,
into moldy morsels of melancholy,
and in our anguish and confusion,
we turn to God and beseech Him.
How long must I suffer
anguish in my soul
and sorrow in my heart
day and night?2
And after unending days,
of darkness and distraction,
we cover our heads and pray,
O Lord, hear my voice
when I cry out
be merciful to me
and answer me.3
If our suffering evolves into,
an incessant, steep, rocky terrain,
some of us see it as a sort of penalty,
for being unkind to our neighbor.
And it is during these times,
that a small voice helps us,
to acknowledge and accept,
that sometimes, God uses a chisel,
to sculpt us into a beautiful,
statue of salvation.4
Be strong and courageous
in your heart
and place your hope in the Lord. 5
1(Psalm 31:12)
2(Psalm 13:3)
3(Psalm 27:7)
4from a homily by Father Mark Mary (EWTN)
5Psalm 27:14
March 24, 2023
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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As babies and toddlers,
we learn to take the hand,
of our parents and guardians,
as they help us navigate the world.
However, there are some,
who are so overcome,
from the tsunami storms,
that surround them,
they float aimlessly,
in an ocean full of people.
Because of their despair,
they are utterly unable,
to control their own boats,
so, they reach out and slash,
the pure white sails,
of the small dinghies,
that are around them.
But even with their sails,
shredded into white ribbons,
Jesus is always there,
whether asleep in the bow,
or walking on the water,
HE is there to keep us safe.
HE parts the dark storm clouds,
that confuse and paralyze us,
and HE shows us how in our pride,
we are listening to the mob,
who wants to convince us,
that pushing the boulder,
up the steep mountain,
is the best answer for us.
However, when we choose to share,
God’s love and goodness,
with everyone we meet,
we gain the ability,
to leave the boulder behind.
And as we willingly follow,
the Master of magnanimous mercy,
we are able to bestow,
the unfathomable waters of forgiveness,
with all those who attempted,
to sabotage our dinghies.
And when we abandon our tugboat of egotism,
which is also pulling a garbage scow of arrogance,
the filthy barnacles fall from our eyes,
and we discover the precious, buried treasure,
of God’s infinite love and goodness,
inherent in every human being.
March 14, 2023
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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Every morning as the sun slowly rises,
we stand with hope in our hearts,
as we behold the lofty majestic peaks,
that bring us to our brand, new day.
The varied paths to letting go of the world,
with all its distractions and noises,
are a journey filled with foggy deep valleys,
where we wander, seeking our deepest desires,
or they are steep mountainous terrains,
where we either march forward with fortitude,
or fall back because of fatigue and fear.
And as we sit in the silence of prayer,
we wait with eager anticipation,
for the quiet whispers of wisdom,
that emulate from a Father,
who loves us unconditionally.
So, as we strive to surrender our stubborn self,
in our hearts, we feel a subtle longing,
and as we bravely look up,
at the massive mountain that looms in front of us,
we persevere in our silent prayer,
and a small path open up before our eyes.
And an amazing strength we never felt before,
slowly seeps through our frightened veins,
warming our wavering, hopeful heart,
with a refreshment of soothing reassurance.
So, as we take that first tentative step,
we smile with a curious confidence
knowing somehow that God is with us
giving us the courage to endure our hardships.
And even when our path,
heads down into the dreary valley,
and we are surrounded with a heavy, gray fog,
our faith in God sustains us,
and keeps us on our spiritual path.
And when, eventually, the sun breaks through,
we look back at where we’ve been,
and we are surprised and shocked to see,
all the twists and turns that we left behind us.
So, when we turn around and look forward,
although we see more boulders blocking our path,
we are able to eagerly trust,
that God will always be with us,
no matter what the future brings.
January 18, 2023
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The various paths to holiness,
are created and assigned,
exclusively by God himself,
and they are as diverse and infinite,
as the stars that dot the heavens.
The path that God has chosen,
specifically for each one of us,
is so flawless and breath-taking,
that it inspires everyone,
even those with disabilities,
with the courage and tenacity,
to climb to the top of Mount Zion.
And when He needs to,
God will reach down,
and hold the tentative hands,
of all those who are tiny or timid.
So, in order to give us courage,
God gently plants,
deep in our heart,
the sacred seeds of holiness,
and they rest there softly,
until their friend, humility,
comes to awaken them,
and together they work in tandem,
in the silence of the soul.
And when these sacred seeds,
slowly begin to germinate,
we learn how to radiate,
God’s unconditional love,
and the seeds gently begin,
to grow into beautiful blossoms.
And as each flower blooms,
it rests for a while,
basking in God’s mercy,
quietly enjoying the view,
before the next blossom appears.
The flowering of holiness,
is a hallowed and hidden virtue,
that when we ardently pursue it,
it disappears into the mist.
However, when we forget it,
and focus on helping others,
it gently wraps its loving arms,
around us with its fond embrace.
The number of flowers,
that grow in our heart,
is determined by the depth,
of our love for God,
and the height of the trust,
we give to Divine Providence.
February 17, 2022
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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When we live in the present moment,
like a new baby coming into the world,
everything we see is new and amazing,
and it all brings us such happiness and joy.
And like babies, we are drawn to the light,
so we learn to crawl and move in new ways,
and because we have no past to draw from,
all that we experience is fresh and new.
When we progress enough to start walking,
we often stumble and fall down a lot,
but our God is always there to help us,
He picks us up and encourages us to go on.
Then just as He did with Adam and Eve,
He walks with us in the garden,
pointing out all the gifts and treasures,
He created just for our benefit.
And the more time we spend in His Presence,
the more we learn and grow close to Him,
radiating His love with all those we meet,
we find ourselves sharing His love with them.
Until that fateful day, when the slimy serpent,
slithers slowly into our peaceful solitude,
casting over us his clouds and confusion,
spreading his seeds of doubt and despair.
Slipping evil suspicions into our subconscious,
he tries to tempt us with a big, shiny apple,
by breaking our present moment concentration,
with memories of our past traumas and failures.
Dazed and disoriented, our eyes are blinded,
by the stinging strobe lights of sin,
and taken in by his soft whisper of lies,
we find ourselves questioning our beliefs.
So, do we fall into the same fatal trap,
that, deep, dark hole of original sin,
or do we, instead, turn to our God
who loves us truly unconditionally?
Each and every second of every single day,
we are given this same unsettling opportunity,
to give in to the darkness and all its trappings,
or we can praise and glorify our loving God.
And each time we turn to the God who loves us,
our soul gains incredible strength and stamina,
and our spiritual life begins to soar with the eagles,
and we hear the acclaims from the Angels above.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
sing to the Lord, all the earth,
Sing to the Lord and bless His name,
proclaim His salvation day after day.
(Psalm 96)
February 5, 2022
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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A place of silence where we can listen,
to the realizations that drop like rain,
on our parched and cracked,
hard, desert souls.
Where we can unload our burdens,
those that we are aware of,
and those that are secretly hiding,
in the hard, cold, caverns,
of our fearful and anxious hearts.
A place where the springs of,
spiritual refreshment,
flow abundantly,
and our souls can soar,
with the Angels and Saints,
praising God for the bountiful,
graces and blessings,
He shares with us every day.
A place of reflection,
that slowly becomes,
a desert of sweet silence,
where the warm zephyr breezes,
of peace and solitude,
gently sweep through,
our jumbled and rambled thoughts.
Where we can gaze at Jesus,
and feel the ocean water,
gently lapping on the beach,
as the sun softly shines overhead,
creating a warm wrap of love,
on a cold, confusing day.
A place of peace,
where our souls,
can be like little children,
gently sitting,
in the loving lap of Jesus.
A place of thanksgiving,
where we can come,
to praise and give thanks,
to our great God.
Give thanks to the Lord of Lords,
for His love endures forever.
(Psalm 136)
February 5, 2022
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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The Holy Trinity sits patiently waiting,
for us to turn to the Lord,
however, His healing peace,
and immense heart-felt joy,
is sometimes forcefully blocked,
by the steel encased barricade,
of our persistent pride,
and cold hearted hearts.
And, rather than turn to God,
and ask humbly for His help,
we take His unconditional love,
and use it like a battering ram,
turning the Ark of the Convent,
into a pagan god of silver and gold,
a god that has no mouth to speak,
or eyes to see or ears to hear,
and we expect our selfish, earthly whims,
to manipulate God's love,
so we can defeat the Philistines.
Our lives are a battle of wills,
a constant war between good and evil,
an ongoing skirmish that never ends.
But just when we think
we cannot prevail over our struggles,
crying out, day after day,
we need to transform our hearts,
like the leaper who knelt down,
and begged the Lord to heal him.
The Good News of the Gospel,
is new for us, each time we fall,
each time we confess our sins,
and humbly ask for God's help,
He comes to us,
just one more time.
God's love always prevails,
each time and every time we turn to Him
He brings peace to our hearts,
and when we follow His will,
we find a joy that is never ending.
Each time we find ourselves,
falling off the road of our path,
crying out in our valley of pain,
God lovingly comes to us,
just one more time.
January 13, 2022
© 2007, Jacqueline Newport, Purple Poetry Path
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