Trust the Compass

The words in this album represent a physical and spiritual journey that has lasted most of my adult life.  Semi – autobiographical, they represent the times I have spent in the physical and spiritual wilderness.  There were many parallel themes to this journey which included coming to terms with not being totally self-reliant, and learning to trust God’s plan – akin to learning to trust the compass when finding your way in thick mist.  Inhospitable as such places might seem, I find they are a place of great presence and connectivity to God in a number of ways.  First, there is the vast scale of the scenery, and then the intricate minutiae of life in all its forms.  Then the time dimension which challenges our understanding of the immense forces which have shaped our landscape for so long.  Then there is the shift away from the cluttered business of our lives to confront what is real, important and immediate. Lastly there is the physicality of engaging our bodies in self propelled travel through the landscape, using God’s gifts in order to appreciate his greatness.  Adversity helps us define who we are,  and how to tune in to what God has to say to us.  For me, in the clear rarefied air of wild places, I have been able not only to see and listen, but appreciate how far I’ve come spiritually and participate in God’s glorious creation.  And my journey isn’t over yet…  

 I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.  

 Phillipians 4:13

Endless Walk was the first song I wrote, after Clan gathering 2007.  I built  the song around the lyric “You know my journey, and my destination”.

My Mountain King was the realisation that I could best understand myself in mountains, and it took a long time to realise that this was because I felt closer to God (my mountain king) there.

You took the Punishment was written in a ballad style after tearfully appreciating God’s amazing grace “embroidered on the landscapes of our lives” – I still cry sometimes when I sing it.

Sure Footed in Jesus followed a conversation with an old friend about returning to mountain adventures somewhat older than when we first engaged in them, and carrying many more responsibilities.  The words “sure footed” came up and  Once I realised I was sure footed in Jesus, the lyrics came easily

Spiritual Survival came as a result of a Sunday morning run over the Hill of Fare with my brother in Christ, Peter Crawley.  Running is camaraderie, a celebration of all our senses, but also a place to share with someone you’re close to. 

The Lord He is Returning   I wrote this when I realised that some of us are too busy living, and neglect to ask God to be with us in all aspects of our lives

The Edge  A spiritual precipice is a place to seek, find and confront the issues which take us far from God.  Mountains give us a physical edge where we can discover our spiritual one.

Trust in God   I wrote this very quickly after one of Jeremy Burchill’s inspirational sermons, triggered by the phrase that we are  “equipped beyond expectation”

I see Your Face     I wrote this because there is nowhere that I don’t see God in the great outdoors.  It’s a simple truth, and a simple song, about “true vision”.

Searching for God   I wrote this because of the realisation that God is where the tears are, of joy and pain, and although He never leaves us, His presence is especially powerful when we shed tears.

This is Our Day    I wrote this after one of our Rector Ian Ferguson’s amazing sermons – especially focusing on those who might try an alpha course.  Ian has an amazing passion for preaching, and I have attempted to capture something of this passion in this song.

The journey to here    I wrote this at CLAN Gathering 2011, immersed in wonderful teaching, and inspired in particular by Alan Mackinlay’s songs.  “I’m amazed by the journey it’s been – and I’ve been changed by the things I’ve seen…”