Year 25

This has been an incredible year for me, full of adventure and life. Many new experiences too... snowboarding, bull riding, and a whole new set of mountains climbed, to name just a few. I got to serve at a camp I love. I got to live in and fully embrace a place of breathtaking beauty. After a year and a half of many obstacles, I've been able to join the Air Force. I have been overwhelmingly blessed with friendships that have encouraged me, inspired me, challenged me, and changed my life. I have enjoyed a season of living my days surrounded by others who have the same Spirit in them that is in me. It has been a beautiful year of so much struggle and so much hope. I know my Father's voice, and he has continually spoken to me with gentleness and kindness through so many days of selfishness and conviction, and so many nights of confusion and tears. He has a hold on my heart like never before. He has enabled me to feel so much... I realize I have only begun to know the fellowship of sharing in Jesus' sufferings and his joys, his death and his life, but I've experienced enough to know that I want more. I want to keep hearing his voice; I want him. I am facing my future in anticipation and hope, knowing that I am never alone - I have One to share every feeling with, all my moments, all my days, my whole journey long. Friends, hear me: There is no one else like my God, and he is worth everything.

Part III

I feel the captivity and the freedom

     Of my spirit in the presence of yours.
          I don't want to trap you.
          I don't want to hurt you.
               Little bird.
          Will you trust me?
          Can I deserve you?

     Don't be lonely, little bird.
     Don't be sad.
     But feel, still.

Feeling is inseparable
     From life and love,
          And shutting it out
               Is the cage.
But you were born to be free.

So fly from the shadows.
There is light in your wake.

Part II

There is late afternoon sunshine
On the harmonies of your song.
Notes golden; Rhythms rippling.
You're so beautiful,
And Nature is proud to present you.

Representing well both Creator and Creation
With forever and my breathlessness
     In your eyes.
Do not fear your potential.

The Fog

Sometimes fog in my mind is chaos,
     Sometimes it is a silent blanket,
          Always it is confusion.

               All is unclear, The dim, The gray.
                    So many voices.
                         But only Yours the anecdote.

4.12.13

French press and paint
Ideas and wrought-iron chairs
                         Rest, though.

Words and Mozart
Exit-ramps and responsibilities
                         Rest, though.

Children and tall grass
Drumsticks and wind
                         Rest, though.

Slow me down and
          Lead my mind
                    To the Sabbath-season.