“The Constitution enjoins an oath upon all the officers of the United States. This is a direct appeal to that God Who is the avenger of perjury. Such an appeal to Him is a full acknowledgment of His being and providence.” – Oliver Wolcott
Maybe it's true there's nothing new. I hold to what is known to be true. The Hallelujah Chorus is on my breath. Once again, I've defiled unholy death.
I stand with my arms held wide, Confusing my faith over my pride. The song may be as strong as it is deep - Deep as the tears that I weep.
I've invited Jesus into my soul, Surrendering to God all of life's control. I know what I knew in this confession, Worshipping the Lord is my new obsession.
I know how great the Lord is for me, And I know where my eyes should be. I will state this positively As I deliver this as my sworn testimony.
Taking my part in this conversation, With this song, I extend this invitation. The same that I once received - To take on this truth, no longer deceived.
I've invited Jesus into my soul, Surrendering to God all of life's control. I know what I knew in this confession, Worshipping the Lord is my new obsession.
(c) August 11, 2026 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
In some passing instances, There is a reach of circumstances. We let it pass amused That it's customary to feel abused.
There's a sense of brutality And it prevades our family. We laugh at ourselves and cruelty, Uncertain how these things become banality.
Some eyes blaze with intensity As they look in the world's immensity. A little conversation at the dinner table Leaves us all feeling a little less capable.
Life is what scars us. It's the same movie we feel stars us. But we know that it's more than wrong, Howevrer much that it feels strong.
Feelings happen that make us grow upset. We might inch toward what doesn't fit. Thought we struggle to be understood, The sure hit is, it's just no good.
Some eyes blaze with intensity As they look in the world's immensity. A little conversation at the dinner table Leaves us all feeling a little less capable.
(c) August 10, 2026 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
An AI thing came up with a not half bad version of what I was actually thinking:
“Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement. Economic wounds must be healed by the action of the cells of the economic body – the producers and consumers themselves.” – Herbert Hoover
Or as FDR discovered by taking part in a huge world war.
Jonah and the Whale tells the story Of how even reluctance comes to glory. Jonah was a prophet that God spoke through To teach the Israelites what to do.
Jonah's life was an illustration Spoken of for its simple characterization. To dive into the truth that was told, Its lessons have played well from days of old.
It is truth compressed about humanity That moves beyond our limiting vanity. In the words of Jonah there is reach. The words spoken into life have a lot to teach.
Lesson one, there is no escape from the Lord. Wherever you go, you are always moving toward The lessons and truths that are wisely needed, And that are best heard and then heeded.
Hurled into the sea, the storm stopped its rage. In a few words, consequences spill across the page. Jonah fled to escape the Lord's ever presence. Yet. he then did find himself confronting God's very essence.
Our first best step is in turning from our sinful ways. We find this the turning point in our book of days. When we confront ourselves in our deceits and lying, The end of our running can seem extremely terrifying.
Uprooting those things that live in the shadow And must often be abandoned so that we can follow Our Lord and in giving these up, in our contemplation, We find God's eternal sanctuary in our redemption.
Calling out to the Lord in our distress, We find ourselves ready to then address All the things that we must pass through. In finding God, we live to do what we must do.
Our darkest night forces us into God's light. It may seem troubled, but it's a lesson in God's sight. Keeping our hearts open to the Lord's salvation. Time will reveal God's truth in His explanation.
Life has its vehicles and passing seasons. After their space we find the Lord's reasons. All meant to be to take us to that where That we are meant to be until we find ourselves there.
Our God is the loving God of grace and second chances As our lives wind through all their shades and dances We are called to live our lives for God's will. In this truth is the essence we call the real deal.
In our repentance, we find God's foundational grace. Everything done is something that God has put in place. These are God's mic drop moments of purity and hope For which Jonah and many others find hard to cope.
God's compassion acts to emotively form our hearts. We see this in what is done and then never departs. It's a pattern learned and kept in accepting grace. We must let ourselves live and learn this in God's embrace.
Whatever happens, we do not know better. It is God who forms our lives and even the weather. The first and last in line gains the day's wage. Lessons in generosity grace our living page.
(c) August 9, 2026 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
Heading out of Australia to escape this Aussie winter. First stop Japan, then UK/Ireland and if work doesn't call me back, onto Chicago. I will make it up as I go along
