Perseverance

I used to hate that word! I used to hear it and the hair on the back of my neck would bristle! I don't exactly know why I felt that way, I just did... I've just gotten off of the phone with Tina and am reflecting on what I was just sharing with her... and I'm realizing all of a sudden that this is what I was talking about; perseverance.

I was sharing that I had been going through a very difficul time personally, and that I felt like all of a sudden the clouds had parted and I was able to breathe again. I don't know what made it change, maybe it was going away and being removed from my everyday routine long enough to cause change to occur. I think it probably has alot to do with Lorna's Spiritual Direction class at SSU... three hours every other day of directed retreat - what a gift! Now, as I reflect on the last few weeks, it seems like I can see again and hope again and have vision again. During this time I could barely communicate about anything other than my need, my exhaustion. Even in my prayer time it was all about me, me, me... now I find myself being able to hear again, not just rant and rave but listen to the voice that brings me life! Because of this I'm able to give again! I guess I feel like I've tasted a bit of resurrection and its given me a thirst for more! I'm feeling hungry and thirsty again; a hunger and thirst that come not out of being parched but out of having discovered something so good that I just want more of it! I'm rediscovering my passion and my joy! Best of all I'm hearing again... I'm able to be quiet again... I'm so humbled and blessed... I am so very very thankful! I feel like I'm found again!

Risk

Dan, the girls and I were blessed to be able to attend Paul Brandt's concert last night as his guests. Dan grew up with Paul and so he invited us and Dan's dad and friend Mary to go watch him. The concert itself was wonderful, Paul is an amazing performer; but more than that, it seemed like this was one more occurance in the last week where Dan and I have looked at one another and thought - The Lord is telling us something!

It seems that at every turn, we are hearing the same thing! The last time we had anything like this happen was when we were hearing about the Arctic. Neither of us is really ready to say much about it yet, but there is something stirring in us that we both feel the Lord is doing. An invitation to adventure and RISK... so here is Paul's song (the title track of his new album) and the last verse is one more of many things in the last week that seemed to come to us through a megaphone into our spirits, compelling us forward into whatever God has for us...

RISK

I'd rather stand on the edge of a cliff
hang my toes over a bit
and then jump when they dare me
even if it scares me
and I get hurt
I'd rather build my wings on the way down
do my best not to fall to the ground
and then laugh at my mistakes
cause they're only lessons I'll learn

I'd rather burn with desire
deep in my soul
and love like a fire that's
out of control
and laugh
and dance
and fall
and chance
and kiss
I'd rather live my whole life
with a sense of abandon
squeeze every drop out
no matter what happens
and not wonder what I missed
I'd rather
Risk
Oh I just can't resist the chance to
Risk

Well I guess I could just play it safe
and forget about love hope and faith
with my eye on the shoreline
keeping my boat tied
and stayin' home
But I'll never discover new land
by keeping my feet on the sand
No I'd rather set sail
And get carried away by the storm
(Chorus)



Words & Music by Paul Brandt
©2006 Giantfoothillbilly Music
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