Here's what I know for sure and is my 3rd little #40at40 bomb I want to drop on you:

Faith is complicated, God is unfathomable and I've never held the answer...I just make overtures toward having a relationship with the Almighty.

FAREWELL ALBATROSS

A few years ago our church was doing a series I was invited to name which we called FAREWELL ALBATROSS (you can listen here - episodes 112-120). It was a teaching series all about letting go of baggage, embracing a whole relationship with God and realizing that from the beginning of humanity we have looked at God through a contractual lens rather than a covenantal one as He has extended to us. That one point alone was the impetus for writing this song and my good friend and one of my favorite musicians, Matt Shaughnessy played it with me at our show at The Muse a few summers ago.

Watershed is celebrating it's 10th anniversary in September and I'm thinking maybe Matt and I can revive this song that day (what do you think, Watershed/Charlotte friends?). I have questioned many things the past few years.

But I if I could tell you one thing about God it's that He's an evening walks in the garden, long talks over coffee, water-wine revising just to prolong the feast kind of God.

He wants to be with you. Really. Where you are in what you're doing on all the other days but Sunday too.

Also, this video definitely spurred me on to add yoga to my exercise regimen. Arms don't seemed to get toned while running I guess (regretting the sleeveless shirt while playing keys. That's another #40at40 post, perhaps?). Thank you Courtney for your constant encouragement and for booking us at The Muse that evening and to all the friends and family who filled the room...it was magical.

INK & BLOOD | Taryn Hofert 2013

I am bottom lines.

And signatures on dotted lines.

And contracts that bind.

You’re evening walks in a Garden

Long talks over coffee

Water-Wine revising just to prolong the feast.

I am ink and You are blood

I am lines and You are love

Still You fold Yourself into this caged heart

I’m the ancient mariner

with albatross neck-bound

And even with the blade in hand

I cannot cut the rope

You’re the Noose Unloosener

Bird like lead sinks in the sea

You think grace is never wasted on a captive heart like me

I am ink and You are blood

I am lines and You are love

Still You fold Yourself into this caged heart

I am fixated on boundaries

I am no forest and all trees.

Pedestrian, and questioning and rushing through the meal

You’re an Unrequited Lover

Unencumbered by my numbness

Unrelenting despite rejection and my disbelief.

I am ink and You are blood

I am lines and You are love

Still You fold Yourself into this caged heart