pat loughery

I just heard from our new worship leaders that they’ve placed on offer on a house the next town over from us. She’s been given a teaching contract for next year, and they’re diving in with both feet.

I find myself overwhelmed with God’s goodness. Since Kyle and Jessica joined us (now our 3rd worship leaders, and we celebrate our 1st birthday as a church next Sunday), I’ve noticed that my heart has been detached, distant. I know and agree with and appreciate the reasons that our previous two worship leaders have left, and I love both of them dearly. I just found myself having a hard time attaching this time around. Fear of loss again, fear of the transience of coworkers in God’s kingdom. Realization that I’m not the commander of His army.

But I knew that if and when these guys were able to move a bit closer, that would signal something massive – life-changing commitment to this vision that God’s given us, willingness to partner together, etc. We have that in others here, for which I’m overwhelmingly grateful. Signaling something in the heavenly realms as well.

We had an annual business meeting this year which turned into “prayer time for Pat & Shannon”. During that time, our then-worship leaders Dave & Cody had a prophetic word for us. I wrote about it a while back in this blog, but it’s becoming real before us now. And I realize that God has much more ahead.

Perhaps this whole thing sounds like my heart has been saying, “PROVE it to me, God. PROVE that you’re going to provide for us. PROVE that you’re going to meet our needs. PROVE that we’re actually going to have positive momentum.” I suppose that’s exactly where my sarx has been lately.

Tonight I find myself overwhelmed by God’s goodness, and that’s a wonderful thing to feel. It’s been too long.

++ Thank you Lord for your overwhelming love toward me. ++

Tomorrow’s worship set starts with Chris Tomlin’s song Forever. For me, this is especially appropriate given my spiritual state right now.

Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good
He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand
And an outstreatched arm
His love endures forever
For the life
That’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever.

From the rising
To the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise