Scarlet Robe Creations

How eager are they, gathered in fields yearning to hear His voice, soothing to their strife, peaceful in their hectic days. How blessed are they in the courtyard, standing in the crowd, engrossed in words made flesh with a heart that bleeds. How sacred are those, speaking sonnets of love on bended knees, walking roads glorified by grace, seeking mercy for others. How eager are they, planted in good soil, who first repeated His words to the peoples of covenant, those who never knew they were loved. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles - James Tissot That they might stand beside Him, dusty sandals and ragged clothes, coming to village and town, not as royalty, but as paupers. That they might walk the same road, when the day bakes the flesh the night chills, and when all is done, rest their weary bodies on stone. That they might sit at table breaking bread, in the company of each other, or gather in fields with thousands of His Father's children, sharing loaves and fish. That they might share what they've learned, wherever led, whether persecuted or embraced, among those who don't know. That they might heal broken spirits and bodies, what man cannot even touch with his eyes, his hands, or his heart. That they might be stronger than demons and not be corrupted by deceit, not led to acts of betrayal, or denial, not tempted by the sin of power, or the iniquity of pride. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.good...

Just a parable of sorts... "Where are we going?" the boy asked. His question was directed to the young man, walking a stride ahead of him, who led the way along the winding path. The meandering trail wound through green meadows, full of wildflowers of various colors.  The floral ornamentation decorated both sides of the divide.  There was no other details, no scars of mankind. "This way," the young man replied, pointing in the direction they were heading, toward the horizon. "Where did we come from?" It was a question the boy had been pondering.  Just another question, but this one was formed by his mouth and spoken out loud.  Perhaps asking a question about the clover or the buttercups might have been suitable.  But some questions just need to be spilt out. The young man stopped, patiently contemplating the words uttered by the boy.  The young man was thin, not very muscular.  To the boy he appeared to be a gymnast, or  perhaps a marionette, all ...

Condemnation, the verdict of a judge with authority, acknowledged only upon the soil of this earth, not in the promised kingdom. A judgement cast on He who judges eternity. Pawn of this world, the power of political favor rests in your words. You are propped up by the strength of tainted ideals, unaware of the wounds on your soul. Before you is the one. Even the pompous Pharisees know this truth. They ignore what you've never known. They take advantage of your ignorance, to lay blame on you and your kind at their day of judgement. Condemnation, His day will offer mercy. He will forgive the most wretched, embrace the most vile. If only they leave the pride of today behind and seek the meekness of eternity. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Come to the table, you whose hands are stained by sin, you whose heart is hardened by failure, you whose spirit is empty and void. Come, He beckons you to sit. Come to the table, you who are paupers you who have no pillow to rest their heads, you who have sold the flesh of your temple. Come, He beckons you to dine. Come to the table, all who label doubt their faith, all who are torn by denomination, all who would never ask for a morsel. Come, the table is set for you. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

My heart longs to walk in a field among the glories of the eternal. I wish to hear the words spoken that I've read and heard before. The words absorbed by the poor in spirit. The words embraced by the merciful. My soul longs to sit in the company of those invited to a feast of bread and fish. A sign for those who seek miracles. A stirring of the heart for those who ache for God. A joyful dance for those who have been promised life. My heart longs for He who is mercy to extend His holy hand that I might take what is offered, deserving nothing of my own accord, given salvation only by His will. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Father, I speak humbly. I speak without the colors of pride. I push aside all that leads to sin, and for moment, while the world is held at bay, I endeavor to hear you. Father, I am weak. I speak from my knees with a seeker's heart. I struggle to focus when my soul is troubled and my thoughts become jumbled amid my distress. Father, my words are few, somedays. I know not what I am to offer. I have nothing worthy of a temple's flame nor do I have purity of heart and mind. Father, today my knees ache and my mind is weary. My petitions are rarely changed. I cherish the gifts you have bestowed on me and ponder the days to come. Father, have mercy on my floundering soul. I am a wretched vagabond an exile of your creation. Look on me with kindness when like the prodigal son I return. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Jan Brueghel de Oude and Peter Paul Rubens - The Garden of Eden and the Fall of Man You will be like God, an equal in understanding. The fruit is good, pleasing in color and texture. You will be like God, knowing all that is, knowing all that will be. Why do you think you were made to be less. You will be like God, no more than a bite, and all the creatures will treat you as they do their creator. You will be like God, overflowing with pride, for you have done the forbidden, tasted it's pleasure and cast yourself from the garden. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Woman of sorrows, mother of purity, who has seen nails and wood meant to tear down life, attempt to crush God's covenant, an unknowing folly, the murder of her son.  Sorrowful woman, standing in tearful witness to the scars inflicted by the pompous serpents of this world, upon the one she bore in her womb, the child awaited, and nurtured in infancy. Mother Mary, a sacred heart broken. In fulfilment of prophecies, you are His mother, and He who dies for the world's sin on a Roman cross, is your son. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Do not walk alone, along the road, the road of heaviness, the road that drags you down, leaving deep scars. Do not walk alone, down crumbled byways where the sun bakes flesh, pieces of granite lie underfoot, and your cross cuts into your shoulder. Do not walk alone, a lost sheep afraid of wolves, the blemishes on your soul. Hear the call of mercy and follow the voice. Do not walk alone despite having strayed. There is a shepherd, one divine shepherd, who guides the way with His mercy. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Unforgiving Servant - Domenico Fetti A wicked servant, coming before the Lord on his knees, begging for a debt he can never pay to be wiped clean. A trespass the dearly beloved son has paid in full. A wicked servant, much like many of us, pleading for mercy from a wrath we deserve, fearing the justice of a penance we can never pay. A wicked servant, demanding the iniquity of his debtor be paid to the last ounce, when forgiveness has been bestowed upon him. The wickedness of mankind, even when his creator has been merciful. Forgive us, Lord, our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Come to me, His voice is but a whisper softly, mingling with the noise of life. Come to me, a spoken promise to heal the wounds inflicted on each soul by this life. Come to me, step from darkness to light, toward He who illuminates the way  with love. Jesus Walking on Water - James Tissot Come to me, Lord of my salvation, help me pick up my cross and not reject it. Help me to carry my iniquity into the river of purification. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The Lord's Prayer - James Tissot Our Father… Speak to Him with intimacy. Speak to Him prayerfully, just as Jesus instructed his disciples. Our Father… Words that draw the soul toward its home, and the sinner to forgiveness. Our Father… An offering to make holy everything that is of Him, who our souls seek. Our Father, Our loving Father… …pray these words, and know you have been in communion with He who created you. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Christ Carrying the Cross - El Greco Is your cross heavy, does it strain your muscles to their limit? Does your cross come with a cane, or a chair with wheels? Is your cross an ailment of the body, or a crisis of the soul? Is your cross big, or are there many little ones? Is your cross an addiction, one which must be battled daily? Is your cross sadness or loss, or maybe depression? Is your cross an emptiness, a hollow void, seeking to be filled? Good shepherd, you have beckoned us to come to you, to step out of the shadows of life. Help us to carry the slivers of our struggles, knowing you are beside us always, carrying the world's salvation. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

James Tissot - The Caravan of Abraham A nomadic people,  wandering desert and plain, forbidden from the garden. The descendants of one man, kin of one who submitted and ate the fruit of knowledge. A nomadic people, knowing good from evil and pleasure from sadness. One man given a promise that the stars will be his, when generations have grown weary. A nomadic people, fathers of those to come, those who will wander as they do. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Right with God, are we, when it matters most? The penitent thief asked for mercy in his final hour, humbly without pride. Will the opportunity be offered to us? Right with God. We know when we're not. We know when we've turned away, choosing to hear the world's obtrusive noise. Let Jesus in, past all the barriers not wearing his name. Let His light shine through, prejudices of more than race, with His mercy, unfathomable. Right with God, in His merciful gaze, dancing like children, forgiven. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

What is there about his words? Is it simply the phrases spoken, or is it perhaps, the voice as well. He speaks as if these words are his, as if he is the one who wrote them on the scroll.                       ~ Do demons recognize holy words, when spoken by a sacred voice? The authority of the eternal one is present. Listen and you will hear. In his speaking everything has been fulfilled. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

She watched the snow coming down from the window before her.   The blanket over her lap kept her legs warm.   With both hands she gripped the wheels of her chair and spun away from the wintery scene on the lawn. With a skill gained in the past two years she quickly rolled across the room and into the hall.   She heard her mother’s voice in the dining room, talking with the new pastor at her church.   She listened, confined to her chair, for her mother to indulge the reverend with her daughter’s pitiful plight. She lifted the blanket and looked at her lap.   Her legs had lost much of their muscle tone.   Even through the heavy fabric of her jeans it was noticeable. “My daughter, Karen, skied competitively in college.” She heard her mother say.   Always centered on the glory years.   Now, two years later, she was a paraplegic. “She was amazing on the slopes.” Her mother continued bragging in the dining room. “Her coaches said she should cons...

Silent years, from Malachi's final word to Matthew's first. Centuries of voiceless prophets, abandoned by covenants. Silent years with God's breath barely moving leaves. Alone with shadows, untouched by light. Silent years, has the word of flesh lost its meaning? Has the promise in the garden been forsaked? Silent years, disbelief takes root, the righteous condemn. Have these years really been silent, or have we stopped listening? copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Your dwelling place, where the soul yearns to be, where the soul longs to find its home. Your place of refuge, where silence embraces my prayer, where my praise is never put to rest. Your place of comfort, where the sparrow finds her home and the swallow makes her nest. Your dwelling place, the abode your children seek, the kingdom promised by your son. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Blessed are we who drop our nets into the barren sea. Blessed are we who sit in a field listening to a sermon about love. Blessed are we who dine on barley loaves and fish. Blessed are we who are cured of our scars and sores. Blessed are we who have had our iniquities forgiven. Blessed are we who have seen a blind man wash mud from his eyes. Blessed are  we who cling to the edge of your frayed robe. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Moses Breaks the Tablets of the Law - Dore's English Bible Broken tablets, shattered upon the ground, chiseled stone, touched by the finger of 'I Am'. They dance, singing songs for an idol, a metal bull, the likeness of an animal, the spirit of Baal. O my people, you've been freed from Pharaoh's bonds, fed in the desert, and offered a covenant. But you dance for what is shaped by your hands, when the LORD has molded you from the palm of His own. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Panim (Hebrew) , presence to presence, face to face, in the temple, in the tent of the Lord. A place of meeting, speaking with intimacy, a spirit reaching for its creator for the lover of the soul. One thing should we ask, one thing should we seek, to dwell in His house, His holy temple, all the days of our life. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Shepherd me, Jesus. You are the shepherd of goodness. You seek out the sinner, trapped among the briars, and have mercy. You seek the soul that wanders. Your staff points the way to fresh water  and abundant grass. You carry the lost on your shoulders when we struggle to find footing. Shepherd me, my savior. Show me the path that leads to you. Show me the gate, the narrow one, you desire me to pass through. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The Way to Emmaus - Robert Zond Has any god ever come down to walk beside you, in garments like your own, stepping on hard clay and rocks along the shore? Has any god ever embraced a child, touched a leper, and forgiven a sinner judged to be less by hypocrites? Has any god ever broken bread with friends and enemies, prayed with them and sung songs glorifying his father? Has any god allowed his flesh to be beaten, his side to be pierced, his arms to be stretch for you, the created? Has any god ever walked from a tomb, discarding his shroud of death and the darkness of a borrowed cave? Has any god ever loved you like our one true God? copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Do not despair, when the darkest void settles in. Do not hold tight to the shadows of doubt. You are beloved, regardless of any stain on your soul. His love purifies the darkness. The long night will end, for He is the flame on the wick. Do not despair, in the moment of mercy's outpouring. Do not cling to regret. Do not feel undeserving, no matter the worldly penance expected. One tear, one murmur of the lips, Is all it takes to say "Yes, Lord." I want to be with you. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Jesus Cleansing a Leper - Monreale Cathedral Mosaic The law says, they are unclean. The dreaded skin disease. If you touch them your purity is defiled. The untouchable call out, over the dried grass and hard clay. One hears. One who wants to lay a hand on theirs. The law says, the unclean blemish those without stain, but He who would touch turns the law upside down. He who is clean loves, even those who are shunned, those made wretched by the law. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Heaven and earth collide, one step upon the mountains, the other among the clouds. The kingdom has come. It dwells in your heart. It dwells with those who offer a home. Heaven and earth collide. A tree is adorned with sacrifice. Son of the most high, offered for iniquities of this day and the next. God's only son begotten. To save creation from itself. Heaven and earth collide. A tomb filled with glory. Those in fear find hope, an everlasting song of praise sung in the devastation, peace be with you, as Heaven and earth collide. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The poem below was inspired by this painting. May God bless you with His mercies and answer your prayers Young Woman Praying in Church - Jules Breton She prays, speaking words which come from her heart. Her words are simple. There is no elegance, just worship. She prays. Her words are a whisper. Her sonnet, sweet and without pride, heard only by He who bends His ear. She prays, and Jesus listens. Her words have a melody, sung by her soul, cherished by our Lord. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Your will, Lord. We pray the words, but do our hearts hear? Your will, Lord. The surrender of self in all humility. Your will, Lord. Belief without doubt, a childlike trust. Your will, Lord. Be it done as You desire. Mold me in the palm of Your hand. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. Embrace the broken soul with Your love. Have mercy on the multitude that cries out. I stand in their midst. Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. The lost sheep who wandered from Your gaze. Have mercy on the one who struggles to return. I am struggling with the briars. Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. The one who doesn't know You during the trial. Have mercy on the ones who deny daily. I walk the road of denial. Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. Even the one who betrays Your blood. Help us to see the depths of Your forgiveness. Even when we are wrought with guilt. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Lord, help me to see You with clarity. Help me to surrender my soul to Your potter's wheel and allow Your sacred hands to mold it to Your will. Lord, teach me to be humble, to leave the sin of my pride in the past. Help me to rely on Your graces and deeply know how much I need You. Lord, help me to be merciful. For how can You, in all Your goodness be merciful to me if I have no compassion for others. Lord, help me to be holy. Keep me focused on Your goodness. Keep me always aware of Your great love and seek not the world's glory. Lord, strengthen the flow of my love. Help me to see the stranger's worthiness, a soul created in Your image, a heart in need of love. Lord, help me to kneel before You. Give me ears to hear Your whispers. Give me the wisdom to understand, and the willingness to pick up my cross and follow. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The net was recently mended.  The work had been tiresome, but so was the effort put forth every night when they took the boats out onto the sea.  The net sunk beneath the surface.  The men hoped the night would be prosperous. Some prayed for God's hand in their endeavor. Some simply hoped. They gathered the prey without rupturing the fiber.  The thickly muscled arms of the men drew the net from the depths.  The catch was worthy of praise.  God had answered the prayers of those who had faith, and those who did not. "Separate what is no good, from that which will sell at market," one of the burly men shouted. And thus it was done, as the one had instructed. "This is how it will be," the teacher said. "In the days of the end.  The good will be placed to one side.  The evil to the other, and that which is of no value will be burnt in the fires." He studied them, those who gathered for stories, parables, told by one promised.  Those who listened w...

He gives good things to those who love Him. Good things, not riches and wealth, not fine garments and jewels, not prestige and the adoration of the world. Good things, such as peace when a storm rages, grace that governs the heart, mercy that forgives completely and grandchildren who hold hands along a trail. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Go!  I am sending you out like lambs among wolves Luke 10:3 Christ Sending Out the Seventy-Two, Two by Two - James Tissot Go out, divided in pairs, a staff,  sandals, and a single tunic. Go out to those who need to hear. Go out, two by two. Stay in a home welcoming you, shake the dust from your feet of those towns that offer no hospitality. Go out, to those who yearn for the promise to be fulfilled. Tell them what must be told. That God made flesh walks in their midst. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

"I am striving to see the world through a lens, unblemished by the world’s thumb print, or the haze of my prejudice." "What do you mean," David Powell asked his friend.  He and Cooper Downs were in their early twenties, a year out of college and teaching at the same middle school in town.  David taught Science, Cooper taught English. "Life is filtered by the causes of this world.  It makes an attempt to blind us to what follows.  These classrooms are an example.  Most young people are lost and not even seeking to be found." "Still not following you." David was accustomed to his friend’s rambling philosophical thoughts.  Cooper was the most introverted person he knew, although Cooper would not agree.  Cooper Downs claimed to be an extrovert of the spirit, whatever that meant. "So, today," Cooper responded, "if you pick up a newspaper, do not look beyond the top of the fold.  There is nothing in that print worth building your life up...