just press repeat on the playlist

daryl and i were talking about having a call that precedes even circumstance & situation. as the time comes to choose the right people into leadership, it struck me that what was of greatest importance to him, was that, above and beyond, the person had to have a sense of God's call of their lives.

it started out as a feeling; which then grew into a hope
which then grew into a quiet thought;
which then turned into a quiet word

And as i thought about it, it made sense because there always are things that will challenge and discourage, but it really is that sense of purpose & destiny that God has placed in us that keeps us pressing on. afterall, '...it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure'. i call it purpose, daryl calls it passion.

And then that word grew louder and louder;
Til it was a battle cry.
I'll come back when you call me; no need to say goodbye

Here for now, is my place. I've had to leave what i know to be familiar, cozy and home - to venture into somewhere where i find to be so different and sometimes jarring. I've had to say goodbye to many that i love and leave them behind as i venture forward; and its a sense of poetic irony that as i grow roots into this new land, people are leaving me behind - as God takes them on a different journey.

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean its never been this way before
All you can do is try to know who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon; And follow the light
You'll come back when its over; No need to say goodbye

It's goodbye season. its convenient when you live near the airport. people are leaving. i know that things will be different without them. yet at the same time, they're on their own exciting journey with Jesus - going where I could never go, making a change and being an influence wherever they are. its a happysad moment - to see them leave through the departure gates, yet having a simmering sense of anticipation - knowing God has greater things ahead for them. I'm thankful for the good times, for the chance that our paths crossed and the opportunities to sow a seed.

Now we're back to the beginning;
It's a feeling that no one knows yet.
But just because they can't feel it too;
Doesn't mean that you have to forget.

the beginning of a new journey is always the end of another where you had previously begun at. I'll miss all of you - but it is a prayer, also for myself, that we never forget the reason for where we are heading, no matter where we are going or the places we end up finding ourselves in. its always jesus + me/you.

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger;
Til' they're before your eyes
You'll come back when they call you
No need to say goodbye

Eternity is so v a s t - all of this is just a smidgen with so much more to come and much more to expect. God has put eternity in my heart and Heaven awaits.

You'll come back; when they call you; no need to say goodbye
[regina spektor - the call]