Dara Maclean Journal

I've always believed love on fire and a divinely consuming story was possible because of my Father's example of a perfectly imperfect, faithful & loving man of God. As well as, by the grace of God, my parents 35 years of martial bliss, where they both would be the first to say, that everyday has been even better than the last. However, I had yet to experience that for myself, at least a whole and healthy picture of it.

Merry Christmas from me to you!

It's Thanksgiving day! Is anyone else thinking, how in the world did it get here so quickly?! Then, to top it off, Christmas is just around the corner?!!! Ahhhh!!! It really is such a special time of year, as you breathe in the seasons air and the thought of new possibilities and how good you have it, crazy how it's almost tangible. This is the time of year we hold the ones we love close, we remember where we've been and where we are, we gain perspective, we give more, we celebrate whats to come, this just for starters... There's really nothing like it.

I love love and I will always be writing love songs of every kind. Specifically in the relational sense, I want to sing about what romance and a God written love story can look like. I think it's such a need, since we are so fueled by love and that, as we know, is what everyone's looking for. "Had To Be You" is a feel good, grove that me the romantic, loved writing. It went to a whole other level when we did it in this way, raw and totally live, surrounded by killer musicians and my friend Jason Eskridge singing with me. We had so much fun with it.

My "Bethlehem Skies EP" is available on iTunes today!

I imagine the Father of the prodigal son, that did not just stand by the door, but was daily looking expectantly, waiting for his child's return and the second he saw him, he ran down to meet Him... This is a picture of the Fathers heart and His overwhelming love for us! We talk about love so causally, like I love that guy and I love my dog in the same sentence. I'm talking about the author and definition of real love in it's purest form. God is love and to know him in His fullness is to discover more about that love daily.

First impressions are everything. I was first introduced to Debby yesterday on my flight to Tampa. We were about an hour in when all of the sudden, crazy bad turbulence struck our plane out of no where. It was comical for .2 seconds until I realized it was just the beginning of a way too bumpy ride. I've never experienced anything like it. About 3 minutes in to the roller coaster ride I did not sign up for, the whole tone of the plane changed. You could tell panic was starting to ensue and people began to scream as the highs and lows intensified.

How would I know what a man is supposed to look like, or how I'm suppose to be loved and adored? How would I know my value and my worth, how would I be able to trust?

How would I have no fear and be able to love wholly, how would I know what faithfulness looks like? How would I understand protection and be able to believe I actually have a safe place? How would I trust a man to lead me and guide a home?
How would I know?

...I know because of your love Daddy.

Good day 26, you've been welcomed in with red lips, full hearts, and high hopes. Thus far, you've exceeded my expectations and will continue to do so as you add family, friends, a good meal and my love of music into the equation, with a show tonight being the grand finale. I'm expecting a lot out of you this year. I think you've been waiting for this particular age to fulfill specific dreams and give heart gifts of sorts. I get it now, your timing is stellar. Here's to the best year yet... It just keeps getting better. -D-