Foy Vance

On Sunday, Josh and I went to see NEEDTOBREATHE at the House of Blues. We were told that it would be like being in the eye of a hurricane, and it was. What an incredible evening of dancing and singing! "You will leave with your clothes in ribbons and your hearts on the stage." I have to tell you, though, before the South Carolinian brothers even stepped foot on stage, our hearts were stolen away.

via alyssa joy photography

The opening artist was an Irish songwriter named Foy Vance. He emerged alone and seated himself in front of a keyboard. As the first thread of his lyrics rang across the venue, "The scenery's changing and it warms my soul," there was a tangible moment of stillness and awe.

Josh and I had the privilege of meeting Foy after the show. He was gracious, kind, and quietly engaging. "Vance is moved by the fractions of love and sentiment, giving himself over to the quiet deluge. His is a voice that rattles you and forces you to let it in so that you may all enjoy a dark room, a modest fire and something to toast with." Indeed we were rattled, and the chorus of his closing song is still humming in my head.

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We'll run, nor in Thy ways be tired

This song has been the murmuring between my moments, day after day.  Many changes lie ahead, and I am exhilarated and expectant and somewhat afraid.  This calling is a gift beyond measure, and the greatest gift is His presence in our community.

How sweet to wait upon the Lord while He fulfills His gracious Word;
To seek His face and not in vain, to be so loved and love again.

To see while kneeling at His feet, Jehovah on the mercy seat;
And Jesus, at the Lord's right hand, with His divine atonement stand!

Amen, our hearts with rapture cry!
May we with rev'rence look so high;
Ascended Savior, fix our eyes
By faith upon this glorious prize!

"Father," He cries, "I will that these before Thee on their bended knees,
For whom My life I once laid down, be with Me soon on this My throne."

Amen, our hearts with rapture cry!
May we with rev'rence look so high;
Ascended Savior, fix our eyes
By faith upon this glorious prize!

With this delightful prospect fired, we'll run, nor in Thy ways be tired;
And all the trials here we see, will make us long to reign with Thee.

Amen, our hearts with rapture cry!
May we with rev'rence look so high;
Ascended Savior, fix our eyes
By faith upon this glorious prize!

Joseph Swain, 1770s
Clint Wells and Karl Digerness, 2009