Clouds and Creeds.

So I purchased Jason Upton's new CD the other day. It's titled "On the Rim of the Visible World." One of my favorite songs on the CD right now is called Clouds and Creeds. The first lyrics of the song state "If I could see your face, I think you'd smile at me. You've got that kind of face that defies gravity." The first time I heard those words, tears gathered in my eyes and they still do to this day. I cry when I think about seeing God, my beloved standing there and smiling at me. I don't know why but it is just that thought of God smiling that brings me to my knees. You know, a smile is such a simple thing but it has the power to change a lot. When we see a smile, we know that we are accepted, that there is joy and that we bring someone joy. So the thought of God seeing me and smiling, knowing that I could bring joy in his heart that would manifest itself as a smile overwhelms me. It humbles me because I am but dust. When it comes to that day and I see His face smiling at me, I'll know that it was all worth it.

If I could see Your face
I think You’d smile at me
You’ve got that kind of face
That defies gravity

You’re too much
You’re too much….for me
You’re too much
You’re too much….for me

One time I saw the sun
Setting upon the sea
As fast as it was gone
It came right back to me

You’re too much
You’re too much….for me
You’re too much
You’re too much….for me

Sometimes You’re in the clouds
Sometimes You’re in the creed
Sometimes You’re in the stars
Sometimes You’re next to me

But You’re too much
You’re too much….for me
You’re too much
You’re too much….for me

Sometimes we follow crowds
Sometimes we just believe
Sometimes we think we’re smart
Sometimes we think we’re free

But You’re too much
You’re too much….for me
You’re too much
You’re too much….for me

-Jason Upton

Gifts

"Will you marry me," he said
The question did not surprise her; she had expected it for quite some time. Nor did its timing disturb her. Rather, it was the way he spoke it, as though it were an ordinary request, as pedestrian as "Please pass the salt." Silent, like someone determined to set a hurt bone, Duniya reasoned that he must have worked on the question so thoroughly that he botched it.

-Gifts by Nuruddin Farah


Just a passage I liked from the book.

And the leaves are changing...

Yes, it is fall. My favorite time of the year and I get so excited every time I step out of my door and feel that crisp autumn air. There's nothing like it. I love the feeling that autumn brings. The fact that your home feels a little warmer when fall is here. The fact that as human beings, fall forces us to huddle together, be with each other and....to feel each other. Blankets and sweat pants become our refuge and soft drinks take a back seat to hot cocoa and tea. For me, I see God in nature a little more clearer in the fall. I don't know why it happens during autumn but, I'm able to recognize his goodness when I see the carpet of orange leaves in the morning or feel a cool breeze brush my cheek. Unlike summer, which brings us carefree days and wondrous night, autumn brings a warm love with it. We begin to look at each other and squeeze each other a little bit tighter. We recognize that love is a necessity and we become aware. That's the greatest thing is that we become of aware of God, our family, our friends, of each other.......of love.

The Focus

"And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all of Israel's hope"- Samuel speaks these words to Saul when he meets him down the road searching for donkeys. Israel had decided that God was not enough and they wanted a king of their own. Could you imagine being Saul at that moment? Being told that you are the focus of all of Israel's hopes? I would freak out. Infact, Saul did freak out. He did not feel good enough. He was a man from the smallest tribe in Israel-the tribe of Benjamin. But I wonder if somewhere deep inside of Saul, something rose up. Even though he was not from the biggest tribe, God still chose him. You know, so many times Saul is portrayed as such a miserable and horrible man. And yes, he did fall out of the will of God and yes, he did turn against God. However, sometimes I like to look back at that youth who brushed shoulders with an old, weary man who said to him that he was the "focus." That God had chosen him. The fear and the grandeur that he felt all at the same time. The fear that we feel when God decides to "focus" on us. When he decides to call us in a certain direction. But there is an excitement in it, isn't there? To know that God sees you at that moment and He "focuses" on you and tells you to walk. To go. And even though your heart is pounding, your hands are shaking, and your will is weak, you still go. Because you know the most holy one has focused on you, he has called you,he has directed you and you CANNOT deny it. So you hold on to His word because He holds you in the palm of his hands. He will not betray and He will never abandon you. There is no fear in his love. And that's the grandeur in it. You walk because he loves. And that is enough.