Hope is rising

Swelling with the tide...

Increasing...

And as the sea crashes against the shore,

Hope is released

In a shout of praise!

Life is inhaled once more,

Holy Spirit breathed into our veins...

And once again (and again, and again)

Released in a shout full of faith

And praise to our King!

5-24-10

"40" - written by Mike Walker

My dear, talented, English friend, Mike Walker, wrote (and read) this poem for my birthday:

"40"

So you're forty and still counting, right?

Your party could go on right into the night

But in fading starlight and sunshine calling

We could easily extend it right into the morning

We've ordered a limo with 'Den' at the wheel

O.K. We lied about the limo, but 'Den' is for real.

So just relax, get ready to swing

After all, it isn't often you approach the big 4-0

Take a quick break from the video camera,

The mellow guitar and the microphone handle

Let the music play on and the keyboards ramble

After all, it isn't often you get to the big 4-0

Happy Birthday from all who connect with you, Pash

Take it easy, relax, no need to rush

Happy Birthday from all in the Red Rock Zone

Next year, we are hiring the Astrodome!

Here's cheers for the big 4-0

For one who is cherished and loved by all

By the way, we have solved the problem of the missing limo

Den has camouflaged his truck and is ready to go!

With love and best wishes,

Mike

Grace washes over me

Strengthens me

Challenges me to stand – trust – hope – believe

Dare to take Him at his word – at his promise

I stand before my mountain

I close my eyes – breathe

My sword is drawn as I shout

Grace, Grace!

And march across this leveled path

Of grace – truth - hope…

Passion grows with every step

And every mountain loses its ominous strength

As I join the ranks of warriors of His grace!

Let earth receive her King

As 2010 begins.......................

Let earth receive her King...

Everyone

See Him

Know Him

Love Him

Take Him at His word...

Creator of heaven and earth

Giver of dreams

Keeper of promises

Love of my soul...

I receive my King

My hope

My joy

No desire compares

To the fullness of His arms

His breathtaking presence...

I join the angels in His praise

And declare

Let earth receive her King

Everyone

See Him

Know Him

Love Him

Take Him at His word

Creator of heaven and earth

Giver of dreams

Keeper of promises

Lover of my soul...

I receive my King...

Shaken, not stirred

So, I had a motorcycle accident last week. Broke my foot. It is amazing what you find out about yourself when you are subject to the assistance of others. I discovered there are some shaky areas in my life that I really need and want to shore up! I listened to Pastor Kirk's message from 3-8-09 today, and even though I didn't "see" the pic he used, I could see it in my head. It was a pic of a beach after Hurricane Ike. One house was left standing? Why? Because the owners had seen the destruction of hurricanes before, and they wanted their house to withstand one. The other home-owners on the beach did not list that as a consideration while building their homes...

I did not consider a motorcycle accident a "storm." I had no idea last Friday that walking out to that bike would be the last time I would "walk" for several weeks. I had no idea how to prepare for that. And, I had no idea how it would affect me! I was scared, antsy, drugged, fought little spurts of depression and feelings of uselessness. It was a heavier weight than the big boot on my foot...it was a weight on my heart. WOW!!!

There was a glimmer the morning after it happened. I contemplated the death of the dream to ride, and thought about some other dreams I've had to die to over the years. Then a line to a song came to mind and chopped through all that, well, crud: "All the dreams that I have do not compare to my Saviour's arms - you'll find me there..." Nothing compares to Him, and whatever dream dies He replaces with something that brings so much more than just satisfaction...

Then today happened - 1 week later. God's Word is a life-changer - a spirit-lifter - and hearing it from an anointed man of God like our Pastor is like breathing in fresh, mountain air. I felt scales fall from my eyes. I felt God lift me above this PASSING set of circumstances. He really does cause everything to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. I believe it. I believe there will be something taken from this storm that will re-set my world and others will benefit from the splashes. I believe it will be an adventure with regular discoveries and valuable moments with the King of Kings.

I look forward to this 6-8 week journey and pray I don't waste it...

2009

Well, since it's now 2009, I figured I should post again. I'm 2.5 classes into school; The Rock Christmas Eve Service was a complete blast; we've been to Florida and New York between then and now; Mega Worship was last Saturday and it was INCREDIBLE!!!; we've kicked off another fun, exciting, God-filled, purpose-driven, creative year at the Rock with 21 days of prayer and fasting...and the wheels on the bus go round and round!

What I want in 2009 - for me and everyone around me - is for this year to truly be one of passion. That may sound cliche, but if we're not decidedly passionate about it, why do it? Passion takes work and commitment - you aren't going to sustain it by accident. Pastor said Sunday, "The price you pay to have the presence of God in your life is time alone with God." Yep. Time is a passion-sustainer, and it's absolutely true for anything you have a passion for. To keep my passion for Dennis, I have to spend time with him. To keep my passion for the Bible, I have to make time to read and study it. To keep (or re-gain) a passion for the guitar, I have to spend time with it.

So in 2009, make the sacrifices necessary in order to build and sustain YOUR passions...and let God bring the best ones for you into focus. These are my main passions: God - His presence & Word; Dennis; life - living and loving it; the house of God; music - worship, leading, learning (and improving) instruments; people - loving and helping them see & achieve their potential; family - making time for them while I have them. What are your passions? What will you do to make the time necessary to sustain them?

Back to School

Well, it looks like I'm becoming an official student of the University of Phoenix! Yep! In about 2.5 years, I will have a Masters of Science in Psychology, and 6 months to decide if I want to continue onto my doctorate. "Who'd a thought it?"

It all started with a conversation and a phrase from my own mouth..."If I ever went back to school, it would probably be for counseling..." And then the thoughts began..."What if I did go back to school?" "How would that work?" "Why haven't I considered that before now?" "Do I really have time for that?" "Am I really wired for that?" So, I started putting it out there in circles of people whose opinion I really value. Most have said something to the effect of, "Why, of course! I can totally see that!" That's reassuring, I must say. If it weren't a potential gift, it would be a significant waste of time! :-) The only real push back I have gotten has been "Where will you find the time?" That's legit...and I've really thought about it, prayed about it, talked about it, and weighed out all the pros and cons. I think it's more than doable, and I think it will be hugely beneficial when I am finished.

The COOL thing is just how it works. 1 class every 6 weeks...all on-line...all at my own leisure - no set meeting times. 1 class at a time, and I'm considered full-time! Cool! 12-15 hours per week of reading/doing assignments/posting comments in online chat rooms. I can take up to 4 weeks off between classes. It's completely designed for working people who can't just uproot, enroll in a college and quit their daily lives. Plus, every advisor assigned to you is helpful, friendly, and committed to your success. Fantastic!

I see a need in our church for more qualified counselors. I've always had at least a "lean" in that direction. Why not take an interest, combine it with training, and become part of the solution?

Oh...and Dennis is excited about calling me "Doctor Pash!" It helps to have your spouse as your biggest cheerleader! Now, let's strap on our helmets and chaps and just see where this road leads!