#7in7 and the song that came from day one

Well, it has been a ridiculously long and exhausting day – but also rewarding and encouraging. Today began #7in7, a week-long songwriters challenge of sorts. I will be joining 300+ other songwriters around the globe and committing to write one song every day for 7 days. I write music all the time, but I’ve never forced myself to stick to a deadline…so this is definitely going to stretch me musically, emotionally, spiritually. I couldn’t be more excited. I literally walked in the door today after my 10-hour workday, changed clothes, heated up some tomato soup in the microwave, and got busy writing. That was about four and a half hours ago, and I’m just now winding down. I am beat. Can barely keep my eyes open. But I’m done!

One of the conditions of this little challenge is that everyone participating must post each song online, each day. That is probably the hardest part of this whole thing for me. I am such a perfectionist and I hate to put my name on something that isn’t as close to perfect as possible. But in this case, I have no choice. That’s probably good for me too.

So friends…I introduce you to my very first #7in7 song. Please forgive any mistakes here and there (Sincerely, Perfectionista).

“When You See Me on the Water” by Sarah Colvin

http://soundcloud.com/texasarah/when-you-see-me-on-the-water

Eight Days Late...

I am always the last to be “in the know” about cool new things.  Either that or I am just the last to jump on the bandwagon (case in point: blogging), I’m not really sure. Regardless, I seem to always be one step behind the crowd.

For example: in college I desperately wanted to see Wicked, but somehow, year after year, I would learn that the show was in town after everyone else had purchased their tickets. And by then it was sold out. Frustrating.

Another example: when I went to register for benefits the first year at my company…...and discovered to my dismay that the enrollment window had ended three days before. Which meant no health insurance for Sarah. I realize this is a drastic statement…but that was almost as bad as missing Wicked.

All that to say…I realize I am way behind the game, but I figure it’s never too late to give thanks, so consider this a feeble attempt at compensation.

Nine things I am thankful for, in no particular order, one for each day of the month thus far.

1. Strong coffee. Seriously, you have no idea.

2. Big dreams. Dreams I’ve had for as long as I can remember, ones I don’t even completely understand sometimes. But they keep me looking to the future with excitement and expectation and a little bit of restlessness. I know He will open the right doors when the time comes.

3. That my feelings do not dictate reality. I am NOT alone, no matter what my emotions tell me or how convincing my circumstances seem. I am surrounded by my Savior’s love and He carries me each and every day.

4. Examples of godly men in my life. It was not until I got to college and saw more of the world that I realized how blessed I truly am. I have two grandfathers who love Jesus and adore their wives. I have a father who is completely devoted to his family and his Savior, and is one of the hardest workers I have ever known in my life. He would do anything for us, and over the years I’ve seen him sacrifice many of his personal needs and dreams for the sake of his family. And I have two brothers who are protective, loyal, thoughtful, hilarious, and not ashamed to stand up for what is right. They never cease to amaze me.

5. Honest lyrics. I love finding songs that speak to my heart and meet me right where I am. There’s a Rich Mullins song that I have fallen hopelessly in love with, one that he recorded on a tape recorder shortly before he died. My guess is it was never meant for public ears, but that’s what I love about it…it is raw and real and unorthodox. A few lines that I love:

“You who live in heaven hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth, who are afraid of being left by those we love and who get hardened by the hurt…did You ever know loneliness, did You ever know need? Do You remember just how long a night can get?

And I know you bore our sorrows and I know you feel our pain. And I know it would not hurt any less even if it could be explained. And I know that I am only lashing out at the One who loves me most. And after I figured this, somehow all I really need to know is if You who live in eternity hear the prayers of those of us who live in time. We can't see what's ahead…I can't see how You're leading me, unless You've led me here where I'm lost enough to let myself be led.”

6. A new church and new friends. It never ceases to amaze me how He always knows just what I need at each season in my life.

7. New mercies. He forgives my yesterdays and gives me a clean slate…and I wake up each day knowing I am loved completely, regardless of my past mistakes and failures.

8. Vacation days. I have two left this year and I am putting them to good use. Extended weekend in Colorado in less than a month…I couldn’t be more excited.

9. Cold fronts! Today was absolutely gorgeous. I love sunshine and I love changing seasons…I got to enjoy both of these today and it was glorious.




So there you have it, I am officially "caught up". And not a moment too soon - just 40 minutes before day 10. On that note, I am off to take advantage of one other thing I am VERY thankful for: sleep!

Momentary, Light Affliction

It is an overwhelming realization that the very same God who “keeps watch on the nations” cares deeply about MY life, my fears, my concerns, my sorrows and my joys. He is so very near when my heart is disquieted within me. Within 15 minutes of walking in my office this morning, I was already on the verge of tears, with problem after problem looming in front of me. I sought asylum in a dark room in the farthest corner of my office and poured out my heart over a cup of steaming coffee, a 30-second reprieve from the chaos of the morning and the stress I knew awaited me at my desk. And for that moment it was just me and my Savior. I began reading Psalm 66, hoping – believing – that He would speak to my heart and give me words that I needed just for that moment. And this is what I read: “Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in Him, who rules by His might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations…” (Ps. 66:6-7a)

And it hit me. He is all-powerful. He is all-knowing. He is all-seeing. By His hand alone, nature comes alive each day. The sick are healed. The lame walk. The blind see. The dead are raised. And yet the very same God sees my tears. My tears. ME. Insignificant me. And although my momentary discouragement is of no importance in the grand scheme of things, He cares. He comes to my rescue. He holds me and whispers into the crevices of my soul and fills my heart with a peace that could only come from the Giver of all good things. I am nothing and yet my Everything sees fit to meet me right where I am. What a wonderful Savior.