Never Once

Calvary Evangelical Free has been our church home for the last 4.5 years, and we love it.  

Solid teaching.

Transparent leadership.

Authentic worship.

I have particularly enjoyed serving in the worship ministry under the direction of the tremendously talented and always humble Pastor Dan.  Last Sunday was my final opportunity to sing on the worship team -- one of my favorite things.

L-R: John, Marion, Ginger, me, Pastor Dan, Meredith, Karmen, Paul, Denise, John

Can't forget the all-important tech team!

 We will sincerely miss the teaching of Pastor Kevin.

I have to include these shots of Nolan with Mr. David.  We'll never think of church and not think of him!! 

David is our very favorite babysitter and (if we're being honest) he's Nolan's stand-in super-young-cool-hip grandpa-away-from-home.  I can say that - right, Mr. David??

Needless to say, he has spoiled us all ROTTEN, not only by affording Mikel and me several evenings out, but he has looked after Nolan for practically every church service for the last 4 months.  That means he sooo kindly bounces, feeds, entertains, changes and naps our little guy while Mom and Dad sit, blissfully soaking up the Sunday morning worship and teaching.  This has also enabled me to serve in the choir and on the worship team on occasion.  WOW!!  Like I said -- we are all spoiled.

Mr. David, there will be no substitute for you, and we love you so much.  Thank you for all of it, but especially for loving our little loved one!  -- Also a *special* thanks to Marion, who has graciously shared David with us for many a weekend evening.

Love this picture -- looks like Nolan is hugging David right back. 

"Are you suuuure he can't come with us to Phoenix????"

************************************************

This Sunday we sang several meaningful songs (aren't they all?), but one in particular stood out to me: Desert Song.  

In the first place, we're moving to the physical desert. A funny coincidence. :)

In the second place, I was privileged to even sing part of it as a solo, which always makes it all the more personal.

This song says I will have but one solitary prayer 

- whether life has me in the desert: parched, hungry and dry

- or I'm in battle: triumph yet to come, clinging to my rights as a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

- or, as I feel now, in the harvest: marked by favor and providence, committed to sharing the blessings that have been given to us.

And that prayer is this:

I will bring praise;

I will bring praise.

No weapon formed against me shall remain.

I will rejoice!

I will be glad!

God is my victory, and He is here.

-- Take a moment and listen to it here.

*********************************************

And finally, while we're on the topic - I want to include the song I've been singing around the house for weeks.  The one that has become something of our "anthem" in this season.  A definite favorite.

Never Once (Matt Redman)

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we've come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us. 

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say: 

Never once did we ever walk alone.
Never once did You leave us on our own.
You are faithful; God, You are faithful.
You are faithful; God, You are faithful. 

-- I hope you'll listen to this one too, as we can certainly all claim these words.  Here it is. --