Recovering thoughts from Vacation

Holly and I just got back from about 10 days of being gone. We were on a cruise for 5 days, and we were in Houston for the remaining time. I learned some things while I was gone.

1st of all I was reminded of the greatness of our God. When all you see is blue in every direction, you're reminded of the hugeness of our creator. As if that wasn't statement enough (to be in the middle of the Gulf on a big boat seeing nothing but blue). It was that way for two days. After two days of trekking along at 20-25 knots, we arrived at Cozumel, then we stopped also at Playa del Carmen. In a word, the water and beaches were majestic. Pure white sand, Clear blue water. It was beautiful. We were able to sit back and enjoy the sun, swim with the fish, and experience a whole other culture. The Kingdom is so much bigger than us. It was good for me to be reminded of that.

2nd - I realized how addicted I am to our community (of Christ-followers). After 5 days, I was ready to be home. Vacation was great, rest was great, relaxation was great, but being apart from the people we've come to do life with over the past few months was difficult. We only missed one Sunday, but it felt like we were gone forever. We realized how strong of a connection we have with the people of our church. It was great to be gone, but it's greater to be home.

Finally, I was reminded of how great a team we have at River Stone. At no time did I worry about how worship was going while I was gone - I knew. I didn't even think about it until 6:15 pm on Sunday evening when I felt like I should be doing something. God has truly blessed us with a tremendous team of talented people, and I love the diversity of having interchangable people leading our church in worship. We are truly blessed.

So, as I'm still recovering from my cruise hangover (the rocking has finally stopped), I am more in tune with what I love about my life, my church, and my community.

Blessings -

Jason

Last week as I was in Houston, the guys planned worship for this past Sunday where it was my turn to lead worship. In the context of the planning, they decided to have me sing a song I wrote last summer. I wrote it at time when I was angry, and I realized that my anger was limiting the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. So, here is my cry - I hope it blesses you.

Jason

THE REST OF THE STORY

(Jason Bollinger © 2004 River Stone Music)

If time really heals, then why do I feel, this emptiness inside me still?
It’s been a long, long, time, But my heart can’t seem to find
Anything the help me feel alive

My weeping still remains, My night won’t turn to day
I’m waiting for the sun to rise
My strength is running thin, and my mind just seems to spin
Trying to find a place just to begin

I want to know the rest of the story

I want to see Your glory, Your face shining down on me

My heart cries out for the peace I hear about

I’m tired of all this fear and doubt inside

I know that your ways are not for me to know
I know that this pain – though it hurts – I know it helps me grow
My trust is in You, when I don’t know what to do
I know that You’re faithful -- faithful and true

Rescue me and hold me close, Walk me down the narrow road
Deliver me and pull me through, My Refuge is found in You

I want to be the rest of the story,
Reflecting Your glory for the world to see
My heart still cries out, but now my lips sing and shout
Of your love that rescued me from my doubt