Forward

Have you heard? I shared my first-ever homespun album!

It's my journal put into music, recalling what's been going on between Jesus and me in the past couple years. Here on our blog I want to take you through the story behind each song. 

This is a fitting place to begin: Forward. Written on my 26th birthday. That day I was reflecting on the past year and wondering if I had grown, remained in the same place with all the same entanglements, or even regressed?

I noticed a parallel between myself and the newly-liberated Israelites. Invited into relationship with God. Handed unmerited favor. Experientially knowing the wonder of God and his intimate care...but, quickly doubting. Called forward...but, spinning circles. 

God remains faithful.

I identified with newly-liberated Peter. Invited into relationship with God. Handed unmerited favor. Experientially knowing the wonder of God and his intimate care...but, quickly doubting. Called forward...but, sinking. 

God remains faithful.

Rachel. You?

Invited into relationship with God. Handed unmerited favor. Experientially knowing the wonder of God and His intimate care...but, quickly doubting. Called forward...but, spinning and sinking. 

God remains faithful.

God hasn't given up on me. Ever.

Therefore I'm not giving up either, pursuing him with all of my life.
I know he is calling me to do impossible things that, with him, become possible.
I know that in my heart, the two vices that get in the way of this work are fear and pride. Lord, take this fear and pride from me and lead me forward, triumphantly.

So there you have it folks, Forward.

I'm a little bit older but I'm not much wiser 

Another year's gone and have I grown at all? 

Two steps forward and four steps backwards 

Hold my hand 

Hold my hand when I'm walking backwards 

Pull me forward 

I'll move forward 

"Deliver us from Slavery!" we cried to Jacob's God 

Now we're scared out of our wits and we wanna go back 

Toured the desert, forty years 

Mighty hands 

Mighty hands and outstretched arms 

Led us forward 

Come on now, take twelve stones and ford the Jordan 

I tell you fear's been keeping me from moving forward 

Lord take this fear from me and lead me forward 

And pride's been keeping from moving forward 

Lord take this pride from me and lead me forward 

Battered by waves and terrified at the sight of a ghost 

If it's you Jesus, then say come 

To the other side, fourth watch of the night 

Take my hand 

Take my hand when I'm sinking under 

Pull me up to tread on water 

Pull me forward 

I'll move forward

p.s. I kinda love that my voice quivers off-pitch at the line, "Lord take this pride from me and lead me forward" -- instantly humbled!

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counting the graces

thank you Father for

you are beautiful

you are healer of the wounded, restorer of the broken

testimonies shared at fellowship yesterday

servant hearts of brothers and sisters who labor to cook, clean, teach adults, teach children, administer

privilege of nurturing and comforting Mai Mai when he's tired, hungry, or gets soap in his eyes in the bath

hope, persistent hope

humble apology

unity, intimacy, friendship, synergy with Drew

learning to cope with air pollution

pleasure of watching Titus grow ready for primary school