I'm not here for the surface stuff, I just get bored with all that fluff.

A mix CD is a legitimate piece of artwork in my book. Maybe I'm giving myself too much credit, but when I make a mixed CD for someone it feels the same as when I make some other form of artwork that I then share--a piece of me goes along with it.

Anyway, that was just a random thought. Here are a couple songs I've put on mixed CDs that I've sent out into the world recently. The first one is by David Wilcox. This song completely disarmed me the first time I heard it. It describes that crazy powerful kind of love that I think we all yearn for in life. I know that type of love comes from God, but when I taste it in his people, I just want to shout from the rooftops. Listen to the song, but if you can't, at least read the lyrics.



I see the look that's in your eyes
That says 'I must keep most of me inside
'Cause you'd never love me if I didn't hide
the secrets of my heart'

Well I'm not here for the surface stuff
I just get bored with all that fluff
So show me the edges even if it's rough
And let the real love start

You think your shame and deep disgrace
Are more than I can bear
But you can go to your darkest place
I will meet you there

I'm strong enough to take it
And I know what you've been through
You've got a whole heart
Give me the hard part
I can love that too

You look at me with some surprise
And I see the doubt that's in your eyes
Like something deep inside you cries
With a hunger to be known
Like a tiger born in a city zoo
There's been no place for what's inside of you
You try to live like the others do
And it leaves you so alone

I know you think that the heat of your pain
Is more than I can stand
Burn it all in one big flame
And I will hold it in my hand

Now your eyes well up with tears
As desire mixes with you fears
After so many wounded years
Can you long for what you've missed
You want a cool breeze to dance with your flame
A long lost lover who knows your true name
A secret garden beyond this shame
And it all comes down to this

You think your drowning hope will die
In a sea without a shore
But I can drink that ocean dry
And still come back for more

I'm strong enough to take it
And I know what you've been through
You've got a whole heart
Give me the hard part
I can love that too

I'm strong enough to take it
And I know what you've been through
You've got a whole heart
Give me the hard part
I can love that too

___________________________________________________________

The second song is by Hanson. (I know, you're so surprised.) It's called "Great Divide". It's written in light of the AIDS crisis in Africa, but I think the words can be applied to many problems we face. I personally hear it speaking about the disunity in the Church. I yearn for "one holy, catholic and apostolic Church". It'll happen someday, and I find hope till then.




I've been working on a thing called "visual journaling". It's supposed to be like writing a journal, only adding visual elements (paint, pictures, stencils, etc.) to enhance the message. I would say I've never done it before now, but I think I've been doing it for years without realizing it. When I was a moody, angsty teenager I used to draw lyrics to songs that I liked and Bible verses that spoke to me. This is basically the same thing, only maybe a bit more elaborate since I've got a lot more materials to work with (And since I'm still moody and angsty, I'm never at a loss for inspiration). I think most people put their own words down. I just can't get myself there just yet. My own words feel forced and cheesy and would probably ruin the artwork for me. Anyway, here's the first one that I've "completed" and by completed, I mean, that I put words on it. I think I'm still going to add a few more minor things to it later.



The words are some of the lyrics to "Great Divide":

The earth is shaking under siege
And every breath will meet its fate
Still we hunger for a moment of freedom
Even though the hour is late

I find hope and it gives me rest
I find hope in a beating chest
I find hope in what eyes don't see
I find hope in your hate for me
Have no fear when the waters rise
We can conquer this great divide.

When every eye is on the fortune
It can only breed contempt
They say blood is thicker than oceans
Still we box our brothers in.

I find hope and it gives me rest
I find hope in a beating chest
I find hope in what eyes don't see
I find hope in your hate for me
Have no fear when the waters rise
We can conquer this great divide.

Well, I went all over the place with this post. Cool.