Those two things totally go together, huh?

This blog is twofold since I just have so many things I like and want to share with the world.  The first is a free album by a band called Strangers & Pilgrims.  Emily Otteson, is a singer on the album who I had the pleasure of meeting a couple years ago.  We were reconnected recently and she reminded me that I had lied to her and her friends and said my middle name was “Full.” I’ve been known to do that…(saying my middle name is “Full” not lying).  They took it one step further and named me Joyfull Anne Triumphant. (Say it out loud if you don’t get it.)

Now, when Emily has to fill out any junk mail, she uses the name.

Somewhere in the Portland area, a mailman is delivering junk mail and reading To: Joyfull A. Triumphant.

This makes me smile.

But enough about junk mail and my Pinocchio issues.  What really makes me smile is her insanely talented vocal chords.  (Which, if I turn up the volume in my car loud enough, allows me to believe I sound just like her.)  The album is a mix of folky-ness, bon-iver-ish, neo-hymn-esque tunes.  (I’m not a professional folks.) Most of the songs are upbeat…

…However…

On this album is a song that I have cried, ok maybe sobbed to, over the past couple weeks. It puts music to the “heart to heart” that Jesus and I have been having. Which I guess makes sense because the lyrics are a compilation of a number of Psalms.  Guess I’m not the first to cry out to God.

Shocker.

When my sobs* were not as heavy, my heart would start picturing my precious new nephew.  My “heart to heart” with Jesus regarding my own issues, became a prayer I am praying for Jackson, as well as one I hope he prays someday…when his own issues arise.

I dedicate this song to you, Jackson Tripp Eggerichs.

Marvel

Over me,
Over me.
I’m your soldier,
and You’re over me.

Over me,
over me.
So speak Your word and
heal the pain.
Your command will
seal our fate.

I believe, I believe,
and You marvel over me,
Maker of the galaxy
marveling.

Overcome,
Overcome.
All my enemies are
overrun.

(chorus)

A father to the fatherless,
defender of the lonely miss.
You rescue my soul.
You lifted Your own.
Solidarity to families,
unbinding those in prosperity.
You water my soul.
You poured our your own.

(Hearing my voice for the first time…Jackson is obviously in shock at the beauty of my voice.)

*

Jackson,

It is my prayer that you grow to believe in the One who poured out his soul for you.  I am overwhelmed because I have come to believe He is the maker of our huge galaxy, but at the same time stops and marvels over the creation of each individual.  When you struggle with what you believe dear Jackson, listen to this song.  Listen closely for the Lord to speak to you and tell you how he marvels over you.

I rejoice in how you have been grafted into our family.  The depth of my love for you is shocking even me… And I haven’t even met you yet!  This human love has to come from somewhere outside of me and I trust it is from the Lord. Having the ability to love you without ever being physically present, in a way, makes me trust that the Lord can love and marvel over me…even when I don’t physically see Him.

I believe.

And I believe in you.  You will be a strong, honorable man who must love the world. You “must” because you are going to grow up knowing you are deeply loved.  Tangibly by our family, and spiritually by our Father.  We will tell you about Him, speaking His word and commands of freedom over you.  Through that, I hope you too will believe, sealing your fate and journey of helping others see how He marvels over all of them.  Especially the fatherless and the lonely miss.

Love,

Aunt Joy – Your Earthly Marvel-er.

*

Free download of Strangers & Pilgrims Album: HERE

p.s. There is also a great Christmas album for free on the same link above.  I personally love O Holy Night, the best. The harmonies are incredible.

* I generally listen to this album while driving, making it difficult to drive well through tears. Watch out, Portland drivers.