In His Eyes - Becoming Real

A handful of you know that I've been writing songs.  It's one of the most frustrating, wonder filled, delightful, and meaningful things I've done.  I'm a huge fan of David always singing a new song to God.  I want to do that too.  

Psalm 144:9  says "I will sing a new song to you, O God; 

upon a ten string harp I will play to you."     

My guitar only has 6 strings, but I'm pretty sure Jesus is okay with that. 

The other night a friend asked me to share something I had written recently.  Before I began singing, I said "This is something I wrote -"  My friend interrupted me chuckling and saying "Why do all song writers say that? ..."  

Y'all, I generally don't believe that I'm a real song writer, even though I was labeled as such.   My songs are primitive and hopefully honest reflections of what I see Jesus doing in His mind boggling love for me (and you!).  My super talented guitar teacher blows me away when he takes each feeble offering and transforms it into something super cool.  He is a real song writer, and a gifted musician as well.  I'm so grateful to have his input and encouragement.

Although I knew my friend was teasing me, it wasn't until today that I began to wonder if I'm actually becoming a Velveteen Song Writer of sorts.  

 I suppose time will tell if this melodic journey will continue long enough to become part of my identity.   

In the meantime....here's a little number I wrote during church.  (Does songwriting count as taking notes during the sermon?)  I worked on it Sunday afternoon and into the evening.  When all was said and done, I pretty much hated it.  Today, I offered it up to Brandon thinking he'd confirm how mundane it sounded.  He did, but like a true teacher, as he encouraged, he tweaked a couple things,  changed most of the chords, and altered the chorus - all the while including me in the process.  I think some of you might like it.  I had our rough draft recording on repeat for about an hour in the car while I ran errands.  I am amazed at how much I like it.  

Much like me as a song writer, and the 'beauty for ashes' process of writing it, this song is about a Velveteen journey of sorts for Mary Magdalene.  She was the first to discover that Jesus was gone from the tomb where he had been laid, and the one from whom was driven 7 evil spirits.  She loved Jesus.  It was she who broke that jar of expensive perfume and used it to anoint Jesus shortly before Passover.  

In His Eyes

(verse 1)

Here I am at the tomb

Grieving all that I've lost

My Jesus, crucified

All for love of me

He died up on that tree

Now...He's gone

(verse 2)

Was I ever known?

Was I really free?

Was I loved? Was I made whole?

Was I ever strong?

Could I still belong?

(chorus A)

In His eyes

I was known

I was loved; I was strong

In His eyes

I was free

I was whole 

and I knew that I belonged.

(verse 3)

The stone is rolled away

Tell me where He's gone!

The gardener is a carpenter

My teacher and my friend

His reign will never end! 

(chorus B)

In His eyes

I am known

I am loved; I was strong

In His eyes

I am free

I am whole 

and I know that I belong

(verse 4)

Death now knows defeat

See His hands, His side

My Jesus, glorified

Risen from the grave

For our souls to save

(chorus C)

He's Alive!!!

We are known

We are loved; We are strong

In His eyes

We are free

We are whole 

We can know we belong.