Always My Son

You are my son, a part of me, and that will never change,

No matter what you do in life my love will still remain.

I held you as a baby and I looked into your face,

And I knew then, no other one could ever take your place.

I knew then as I held you, you would grow to be a man,

And anything you did in life I’d try to understand.

I knew you would make choices and would follow your own heart,

I only prayed that in your life I’d always have a part.

I knew some things you did in life would give me so much pride,

But also realized some things would tear me up inside.

I only want the best for you and want you to succeed,

And want you to find happiness with everything you need.

I can only guide you and give you a helping hand,

You will choose the path to take now that you are a man.

Along the road that you will choose, whatever that may be,

Just remember this my son that you can count on me.

I will not try to push you to live life in my own stride,

I only promise I will love you and stand by your side.

I know that you will make mistakes and life is full of them,

But realize my love for you will not let me condemn.

I know this life's not perfect and we do the best we can,

Just realize I love you and I’ll always understand.

I knew one day you would grow up and you would leave my nest,

I will do what I can for you and let God do the rest.

I have held you in my arms and done the best I can,

Now I pray that God will hold you now that you're a man.

Just remember in my heart you are a special one,

And I will always proudly tell the world, "this is my son."

by James A. Kisner

New Year's Day Photos

Photos taken at Sun Flower Farms, Chair of Saint Peters Church, Phasak Cholasit Dam.

Happy New Year 2011

Prayer for the New Year

O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises,

thank you for the gift of a new year.

May it be a time of grace for me,

a time to grow in faith and love,

a time to renew my commitment

to following Your Son, Jesus.

May it be a year of blessing for me,

a time to cherish my family and friends,

a time to renew my efforts at work,

a time to embrace my faith more fully.

Walk with me, please,

in every day and every hour of this new year,

that the light of Christ might shine through me,

in spite of my weaknesses and failings.

Above all, may I remember this year

that I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen