DESERT

Some where near the edge
I layed me down and slept
So tired from the fight
Inside and all the words unsaid

Beauty of the morning light
Touch my face with your heat
Waking up on solid ground by the fire
The Word of God is my feast

I choose to live in Your strength
To stand upon the rock
Taking no thought for my life
You are more than enough

Sipping on living water
I am washed from within
Ready to walk the distance
To run with You again

All You are surrounds and fills
And makes me come alive inside
All the words You speak
Keep drawing me in to You

Touching every part in me until
You are all I could ever want
Take captivity captive
Let understanding come

Friend of the poor - I am yours
Restorer of what is broken
You have become my constant quest
My hunger and my portion.

WRAPPED UP

From the very beginning
Before I knew
Or could begin to understand
The place You would have me to stand
I was wrapped up in You
Falling down
Hiding my face
Living in denial
Not knowing who I am
I was wrapped up in You
You sent Your word
To get my attention
You kept me from wasting time
Spared me from regrets
I was wrapped up in You
You keep me from falling
Drawing me deeper
Revealing Your secrets
Mercy and truth
I am wrapped up in You.

CLOSE

Love to watch you work
All the ways You do
In the middle of the mess
You teach us to rest
Digging in the dirt
Observing the fields
Strengthening the weak
Scattering the seeds
Breaking up the ground
Watering the thirsty
Praying continually
Choosing to love us first
Dressed in this earth
Coming close enough
To let us touch Your scars
And fill us with all You are.

LIVE IT

Times appointed
Here and now
All that can be shaken
Will be
Fix your eyes
Bow your knees
Our Father is faithful
He is restoring

It is clear
Unmistakable
No compromise
No looking back
Strengthening the weak
Interceding
Meeting needs
Esteeming others greater

Losing self interest
Keeping the unity of the Spirit
Realizing true worth
Cherishing, protecting
Healing
Taking time to truly love
Listen and respond
Live the truth

BLISTERS

Feeling the biting cold
Winds of the fall
Come upon us
The harvest moon shines

Fuel for the fight
Blisters and scars
Still becoming
And yet we are

Made to weather so much more
Than this temporary
Land of prescriptions and candy
Little house on the prairie

Is a dream compared
To what we walk through
On a daily basis
Empty, counterfeit, faithless

Wonders of the world
Are wandering themselves
What are we living up to
If we have no standard ourselves?

UNDERNEATH IT ALL

Ups and downs, running round
Players play the game
Trying to get you within reach
By scheming, plotting, and deceit

Underneath it all
Broken, lost, and insecure
Not sure where to go
Confused, reaping what they sow

Imprisoned by pride
Blinded by
The illusion for more
As they continually steal from the poor

Undearneath it all
Unsatisfied, opposing themselves
Craving recognition
Refusing to call for help

Help is standing at the door knocking
Who will open it and let him in
Have some true communion
Save your soul and gain a friend

Underneath it all
He knows your doubt
Your pain and disappointment
And fear of rejection

Step into the light
Let love heal you
He knows your thoughts
And still wants to be near you...

I NEED YOU GOD

I need you God
to come down and save me
break through the sadness
and the madness of this life...

I need you God
to remind me who I am
when I have forgotten
and cannot see for all the tears

I need you God
to hold me inside
mend what is torn apart
help me to hope as I never have before.

SOJOURNER

Reading what was written
I began writing and singing
As a little child I listened
Hoping, believing, and waiting
Knowing Jesus is mine

A few more years
Unexpected changes brought desperation
Crying out for understanding
It came
Unchanging Word, Jesus is mine

Life got busy growing up
Dreaming time away
Awaiting the unknown
Moved further south
Just to find, Jesus is mine

Still reading, still writing
Remaining and abiding
At times reflecting upon the past
Grace & mercy by His faithful love for me
Jesus is mine.

A MOMENT

Quiet, somethings are blinding
Coming into the light
Wrestling fears within
Desiring to be clear minded
Found faithful
Doing all as unto Him

Compassionate, understanding
Strength comes in the waiting
Crying, anticipating
There is more to this
Life than a constant fight
Pushing past the cold

Soon to be clothed, renamed
Covered with His blanket, unashamed
Tucked away close to His heart
Protected, surrounded, set apart
Not defending myself anymore
Because love fights for me.

For now, having a moment
Clearing the clouds away
Taking a long look
A deep breath
Getting ready
For what is about to come...

MAKE THE CHANGE

Inward repentance
True, genuine, holding fast
Lose self, cast yourself
Cast your burdens

Do not despise hardship
Thankfulness worships
The one that is mighty
To deliver and strong to save

Lasting love
Takes on many forms
Truth is its foundations
Endless, Inexhaustible, boundless

CONSOLATION

Beautiful songs come to me
After the midnight hour
Plentiful praise and reflections
Of His words, his eyes, his power

Conversations and thoughts
Just between us
Joyful contemplations
Of the things that are to come

It's not over, He's not done
In fact, He's just begun
To draw me in to Him
Closer to His side---

BELOVED REST

Missing the point sometimes
Hurting and not sure why
Rescued and reminded
That pain sometimes blinds us

From seeing the path of peace
And treasures of joy unfold
Sorrow and suffering often bring
A newness of life to the hungry soul

Thankfulness, gentleness, kindness
Come as we put the past behind us
Finding reasons to believe
Hope opens the door to receive

A right understanding
A real trust
Faith to go forward
And live the truth

Bless the God who made us
His humility saved us from death
His power transforms and awakens
Revives, comforts, and gives His beloved rest.

CONTINUAL THANKS

O, Thank You Father, that I can be here wrapped in Your embrace
Thank You for the days of stretching, and preparing my heart to seek Your face.
Without You I am not me – I am someone else
Somewhere I do not need to be.
Thank You for Your unfailing love shining into the darkness here
In a moment, all fear is gone and my eyes see clear
O Thank You Jesus, for praying me through with blood, sweat, and tears of love
For sending a friend, a stranger, a child to lift my head up
Thank You for not turning away or giving up on this weak wayward one
Your grace and mercy always forgiving making me ready for what is to come
O Thank You Holy Spirit, my comfort, my companion, my voice in the dark
You who captures me, reveal secret mysteries, guardian of my heart
You are with me all the time in every place
You are leading me in the paths of righteousness for your names sake
Humility, love, and mercy in these You delight
All Your laws are precious to me, good and right
Thank You O Lord, that I can come to You in every circumstance
The enemy flees a thousand different ways and does not stand a chance
You rescue me and fill me with raging desire to pursue
Every good and right path that will encourage all who truly long to return to You.

26 Oct 2005

RECONCILE

The harder the storm, rougher the tide
The warmer more brilliant skies
The sharper the knife, the deeper the cut
The greater misperception, deeper is the bitter root
The less you know, the more you assume
The more disconnected and numb, the easier it becomes
To believe you are right and others are the problem
Truth be known, all would be forgiven.

UNFAILIING

Right perspective come
Truth sweet and bitter
Spoken Word draw me nearer

How I long for you to be
Made manifest in me
My great peace and healing

Let those who are standing by
Your strength realize
And see Jesus in my eyes

Casting themselves upon you
Sincerely fear your name
Hoping in your unfailing love.

NONE OTHER

Every other voice be silent except the Great Sheperd of the Sheep
Speak and I will hearken always only unto Thee
Tension and madness have no place in me
Truth and love and humility straighten and free

All that is broken and battered from this life
Cause me to know, be still and find
None is truer, more faithful or divine
Who meets me here and hears me sigh

Keep me as a seal upon thine arm
Thou art the faithful and true witness
Whose blood speaks the better word
Healing all who hope in Thee alone

Leaving nothing to mere chance
Yet fearlessly taking Your time
Knowing brokeness will soon dance
Watered and fed, and raised by Your hand

All glory and praise
To Him who bore my pain
Who heals and restores me
By His word and the power of His name.

PREVIEW

Looking back
Sequence of events
Touching the tangible
The things we miss

By not giving thanks
Dwelling on the doubts
Acting on the momentary
Situation and circumstance

Twiddling our thumbs
Waiting for one
Moment to find us
And still we are blind

To all that is hope
But still we wait
Wondering what for
Looking at the temporary

Trying to find an escape
Running on empty
Figuring it out
Proclaiming plenty

History repeats itself
Yet we are too busy to see
Our own nakedness
Pride and arrogance

He sees us in our own blood
Unable to move or speak
His blood speaks a better word
Live life more abundantly

I am the way
The truth and the life
Healing to all your flesh
Salt and light...

TO THE KING

Out of the silence
Came the spoken Word
The word commanded
And light came forth

Illuminating life
Revealing what was hidden
Creating every living thing
Exposing each motive and thought

Ordaining every step
Speaking and manifesting power
Through His creation
Displaying His wisdom

Bringing us back to Him
Where all began
Living, moving, and having our being
At the cross

HAIL TO THE KING
YOUR KINGDOM COME
YOUR WILL BE DONE
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Let every mouth be shut
Every one stand in awe
Great is His majesty
Look at what He has done!

SLIVER

Lady let your hair down
Put on your gown
Walk barefoot
Down by the water

Look at the stars
Observe where you are
Be held by the strength
Of your heavenly Father

The One who loves you
Is thinking of you
And knows your thoughts
He is not so far away

When you are home
And feel alone
He waits for your surrender
To lift the burdens of your day

In the waiting
He reveals more of Himself
A sliver of the divine
Healing and help

To all that had been scattered
Broken and bruised
Covering you with hope
His hand, His truth...

Casting down condemnation
Regret of past failings
Misguided decisions
Every mistake and admitted wrong

Is now covered in the blood
Of the Only perfect one
Do not be afraid to be weak
He is strong enough.

REALLY

Constant motion
Exhaustion, busyness
Forgetting sometimes
Who I am really

So much to process
Alot to pass on
Plenty to learn
Praying really

Wars are raging
Inside and out
Daily laying things down
Really asking for help

Because I cannot and do not
Want to do things my own way
I will fall into grace
And really listen this time

Casting all worries and cares
Completely upon Him who cares for me
I will put on humility like a blanket
Resting freely in this hammock

Of faith and be refreshed
Ready myself for the challenges ahead
To be free of this temporary tent
For You O God are my guide even unto death.

SOON TO COME

Complete in Him
Compelled by Love
Waiting for the change
That is soon to come

Praying for wisdom
Thankful for rain
Receiving discernment
As I abide and remain

Clinging to the truth
Holding tight to the promise
Expecting His presence
Depending on it...

Surely goodness and mercy
Will follow me and I will
Give thanks to the Lord
for He is ever mindful of me

His love endures forever
So I will wait in hope
That the day is not far
And He is soon to come

AMONG THE LIVING

Riding dirt paths
Turning on the rocks of plenty
Potholes and pitfalls
Seem to await us all
Who dare to take the journey

Don't give up or get discouraged
Challenges bring the change
Take it as it comes
You will be glad you
Did not limit yourself...

Breathe in, drink some water
Feel the cold wind
Take the trail and ride
Do not be afraid of the unknown
Discover, explore, and thrive.

Freely giving and receieving
Thanking God for being
In good and bad times
For the opportunities to do
and say and think and be among the living.

LOOK UP

Tromping through the mud
One foot in front of the other
Snow falling, wind blowing
Look up
You are on a journey
Spending a season of life with others
What are you hearing, what are you saying?
Look up
Climbing rocks, hanging on a line
Many are watching to see
Your reaction, your response this time
Look up
And this is me falling, crawling, walking
Running as fast as I can
Waiting to meet with you
Looking up

GOD'S WILL

AWAKE TO JUSTICE, AWAKE TO NEW LIFE
ALL THAT BELONGS TO YOU IS AWAITING
HOLD ON, SIT UP, STAND OUT
YOUR LIFE IN CHRIST IS WHAT THIS IS ABOUT
COME TO YOUR SENSES, BE QUICKENED AT ONCE
YOU ARE HEALED COMPLETELY MAN OF GOD

AWAKE TO JUSTICE, AWAKE TO NEW LIFE
BOW DOWN IN REVERENCE AND WORSHIP
FEAR NOT, COME TO, BE STILL
SING YOUR SONGS OF PRAISES ALOUD
HOLD FAST, STAY YOUR GROUND
YOUR WARFARE HAS ALREADY BEEN ACCOMPLISHED

INIQUITY MUST STOP ITS MOUTH
DEATH MUST LOOSE ITS HOLD
DARKNESS IS UNDER YOUR FEET
THE LIAR IS BOUND
GET UP WILL, WAKE UP KINGMAN,
ABUNDANT LIFE BELONGS TO YOU

WITH THE FULLNESS OF JOY SING
STIR YOURSELF UP FOR THE KING
ALL OF YOU HE HAS ALWAYS DESIRED
YOUR PASSION, YOUR FOCUS, YOUR FIRE
BE STRENGTHENED AND RENEWED
FOR WHAT HE HAS PROMISED, SURELY HE WILL DO.

SINGLE HEARTED

CROSS MY ARMS AND REST MY HEAD
SMELLING THE FRANGRANCE OF FIRE
WALKING ON IN THE FACE OF DREAD
STAYING ON THE PATH OF DESIRE
WATCHING THE BURNING, FEELING THE HEAT
BEING SINGLE HEARTED AND YET COMPLETE

BIGGER THAN INDIANA JONES
MORE REAL THAN YOU KNOW
DEEP DEEP DESIRE INSIDE
TO RUN, BE THE FORCE, THE DRIVE
GOING ON TO DISCOVER, SEARCH AND RESCUE
TO PROVIDE A FIRE AND BE A REFUGE

PASSING THROUGH THE WIND AND STORMS
RESTING IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS
INVESTIGATING, CONCENTRATING, CROSS EXAMINING
BEING A WITNESS, DEFENDING THE DEFENSELESS...

DANCING

Remember the dancing
Holding hands and bowing
Each step rewriting the song
Smiles and laughter...it's on
Joy and jumping and swinging around
Such silliness and fun when we play

We were made for dancing
For hugs and romancing
Sharing, listening, and caring
Observing, adoring, and daring
One another to come alive
To press on and leave the rest behind

We take the next step
As He leads, He frees us
To do more than we ever imagined
And Oh the passion of obedience
Only increases with each new day
As we walk together in the way...

WEEP FOR JOY

Death is swallowed up in victory
Weep for joy and the glory of His story
True religion sets at liberty the captives
Lays down its life and takes action
And leaves a legacy behind, lifeline of hope
Comforting the weary, lifting up the broken
Forgiveness restoring, beholding, embracing suffering
Often remembering Jesus' life and death and humility.

DRIVING FORCE

Wrapped up in heavy weight at times
Tired out emotions frustrate and blind
Bedraggled by a whirl wind, tossed and bruised
Outstretched hand saves me and rescues
A true friend gives me not one coat but two
Along with an extra pair of running shoes
He knows I will need them for the race
The mountains and the chase
If I am going to run to win
He is fully aware how much I need Him...

To go high, to be still and abide
He is my strength to climb
He is my driving force
Fiery passion and inspiration
His words heal me
His compassion fills me
He is my wisdom
And advisor in every situation

He gives me time, He gives me Him
He is my way of escape in temptation
He is my rock in each decision
He is my clarity and my provision
He covers me with Himself
He clothes me with light
My embrace and final destination
My joy and journey of great delight.

TRANSFORMING

Complex components
I stumbled upon it
And wouldn't you know
I did not notice

I was fallen down and broken
Learning to live, searching, and hoping
Trusting not knowing what to expect
I was a little off

You brought me back
And spoke the truth
You reminded me
That Love is transforming...

LOW ROAD

The path is not as we imagine it to be
Not wide and open and full of fantasy
It is lonely and broken and sometimes bare
Watching and praying when no one else is there

Being kind to the unthankful and to the evil
Not giving what we think is deserved
Laying down our life to love and honor each other
Sacrificing what self wants in order to serve

It is digging in the dirt, changing diapers, and washing dishes
Taking out the trash and paying attention
It is a whole lot of grace and forgiveness
Overlooking mistakes and unwise decisions

Avoiding what causes division, mistrust, and strife
Doing all that you can to bless another's life
Thinking of others more than you think of yourself
Considering how your actions and words may hurt or help

Narrow is the way and few that find it
Because it is the lowliest of low, true kindness
Giving up your rights to gain what you cannot see
Asking, seeking, and finding...

Take the low road
Remember others behind you follow.

ON OUR FACES

Days are passing faster now
While some watch and pray
All creation groans in expectation
Longing for the wedding day

The sun rises and falls
Children await their redemption
Tears run down as we call
And wait for The King's provision

We behold His glory on our faces
Overflowing with joys we can hardly express
His words we have hidden in our heart
The strength of His presence we cannot forget

His songs we have sung
His faithfulness we have known
There is none beside our God
Who shall come and rescue His own.

WAIT FOR IT

Dirt, water, sun and seed
Material elements a need
Time for cultivation
Love and Patience
Wait for it

Sprouting up, thinning some
Hungry for harvest to come
Just a little longer
Getting a bit stronger
Wait for it

Observing the growth
Weathering some changes
Roots growing deep down
Nutrients added final stages
Wait for it

Continually preparing
Always at the ready
Making use of the time
Thankfully sharing
Wait for it

I HEED IT

I need to heed it
Every word of God
Not make excuses
About my own disobedience
And why I am not
I need to heed it
And lay everything else aside
For in the end
Nothing else will matter
Except that Jesus is glorified
I need to heed it
Nothing less will do
Lay down my life
For the least of these
Is every one of you

UNSETTLE

Unplug the attachments
To temporary devices
Pack light, get ready
Make disciples of all nations

Uphold the Kingdom
Speak the truth
Hide God's Word
Inside of You

Understand wisdom
Is Jesus First
Trust fears not
and overcomes

Unbroken is every promise
of God toward man
You will do well to
seek first His Kingdom and understand

Unlike any other
Is He who sits enthroned above
He is and was and will forever be
Unfailing unchanging love

Unsettle yourself
Put your wedding clothes on
The Bridegroom is near
The Spirit and The Bride say come

He will not delay His coming
For this He has already spoken
He stands at the door and knocks
If anyone will open...