Jireh

We are coming off of one very full but very refreshing weekend! Our discipleship training school met all day Saturday and Monday night, and Sunday brought the regular morning church service and the bonus of the World Mandate Tour that night.

Along with another couple, we went to World Mandate last year, and I attribute it to being an important catalyst for changing the way I see God. It was that amazing! This year, because of some scheduling conflicts, the conference moved to September. Thankfully, they decided to do several mini-versions this month in various locations, and Norman was one of them. It definitely has us excited for the full-blown event later this year!

The teachings and the worship were highlights of the weekend, but one moment in particular was the sweetest of all. Levi's favorite song is "Jireh," written by Jonathan Gulley. We know this because it is literally the only song that relaxes him and frequently puts him to sleep. This is funny because if you listen to the song, you'll quickly realize that it's no lullaby!

We love the song, too, and I love watching Gib sing it to his son, who is cradled in his arms, slowly losing the battle with sleep. We sing it in church service sometimes, as well as in our training school. Every time it's sung, everyone goes wild, which is so fun. I imagine that Levi heard it enough during my pregnancy that it's comforting to him.

Well, Jonathan Gulley was in town this weekend to teach on Saturday and attend the events on Sunday. Our pastor called him on stage Sunday morning to sing Jireh, and the place went absolutely nuts - it was a blast! We had the chance to introduce Levi to him, and I know it may sound silly, but it was one of those moments that really moved me. Perhaps it's knowing how life-giving the song is, as I love the lyrics and the song itself. Perhaps it's because we got a firsthand experience to hear Jonathan teach, and know how genuine his heart is. But whatever the case, it made for a very sweet moment.

Jonathan shared that the song was written very quickly - that it was one of those songs that just came from the heart as they were preparing for a trip to Africa. He laughed because as a pastor, he has spent considerable time writing sermons and songs, and yet this song is the one everyone remembers. Of course, it was funny for him to hear that it put infants to sleep!

I wish I'd had my camera for the big introduction, but nonetheless, here is our little frog-outfitted boy ready to head to the World Mandate Tour: