Need to Say

So far my readers have been wonderful. Posting the occasional comment or suggestion that makes me smile throughout the rest of the days. I see that I get a lot more comments doing visual reviewing than I did with the 3 books so far. possibilities arise - Either I pick bad books to review, say too much about the plot and spoil things, or I'm doing fine and no one feels it is worth commenting upon. So, as I am pessimistic, there are three attitudes: I'm a lousy discerner of what to read; I tattle the plot away; I am a mediocre reviewer of books and need work on defining my style...

Anyway, I'm quite contented to have this as an outlet, thus I will continue reviewing books nevertheless. Yes, I am practically begging for false sympathy on my books. Ha! So, now I know that people prefer to read my takes on movies and written rhymes to book reviews. Will have to work on that. Of late I've been needing a soothing of my soul. I usually grab Rich Mullins' project A liturgy, A legacy, A Ragamuffin Band. The late Mr. Mullins' lyrics are beautifully intimate and lovely in their detailing of the everyday. Here in America is a comfortable, friendly introduction to the album, with Rich acting the role of a storyteller. 52:10 is an intensely passionate cry to God for the glory of his presence. The Color Green is joyful and exultant in the Creation that God made for man to enjoy. The flutes in this song thrill the heart to dancing, even if you are incompetent and unused to the practice. Hold Me Jesus is a painfully vulnerable letter to God that I have aspired to meet His level, and am insuffient on my own. My favorite part of the song are the lyrics "Surrender don't come natural to me. I'd rather fight you for something I don't really want, than take what you give that I need..." Creed is a declaration, a stand to believe an be-living it out in your life. Peace starts out with a quiet piano, then pours out thanks to Christ dying fot humanity, pleading for us not to forget it in the layers of tradition. Communion is a living event, a rememberance, a promise of life to come. 78 Eatonwood Green is Rich improvising on the hammer dulcimer, a unique and lovely sounding instrumental. Hard reminds us to put the things we do in perspective - We should not set low standards. I'll Carry On is about coming of age, an acceptance of responsibility of adulthood and the determination to be worthy of the name you carry. How to Grow Up Big and Strong is an unusual song for Rich to cover. It tells the story of primal man's rebellion against all obstacles standing in opposition to his unspoken will. You Gotta Get Up is a piece of nostalga - a child's viewpoint of Christmas Day. Last track on the album is Land of my Sojourn. It is a fitting companion to the first track on the album and the best song possible to complete the project's theme of the extraordinary of the everyday. The lyrics paint a brilliantly detailed snapshot of America's history, what makes it a great and desirable as a nation. I pray that this wonder that is sparked in my soul will not fade, that my thoughts would ever bend to stoking the flame in others. It is my hope to be one who is drunk on the vintage of the pure wisdom bestowed by my heavenly Father. I wish to walk through life with the assured confidence that God will work in the lives of us staggeringly ungrateful mortals. We who take our next breath for granted, we who pass the lilies of the field, preferring the HD clarity of our LCD television screens. Thank you my God, who has such devoted servants such as Rich to speak of the utter simplicity of the achievement of true meaning and pleasure in life. Rich had woven the Word of our Creator into a spoken tapestry that we can view with our earth trained eyes. It is music to lift your eyes to the heavens, to wonder at the majesty of our surroundings, to praise God for the life that we are given.

This is the soundtrack to my life's journey.

From a fellow Sojouner,

Falchion