The Word on the Street

November 20, 2017

By: Michael Norton, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Malvern Retreat House

Some people love the early morning. They spend quiet time with the Lord in prayer and reflection. What a great way to begin each day.  It is their routine, and it is beautiful.

I have a confession to make.  I am not a morning person. My preferred wake up time is 10:00 AM.  Unfortunately, the alarm rings at 6:00, and the sheets feel like fly paper to me.  I spend quiet time with the Lord each night before I go to bed. (I sleep very well.)

However, I too, have morning routine. I stumble to the shower, get dressed, grab the much needed coffee, and then it’s out the door.  Once in the car, I put on my favorite CD, crank the volume and listen as Marty Rotella sings about our awesome God.

A three Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Marty turned his back on a $13 million recording contract and the trappings of Las Vegas and committed his talents to the Lord.  Through his ministry, Spirit Power, Marty has written and recorded over 3,000 songs.

The flamingo guitar intro to Spirit, the first cut on his CD Spirit Power I, helps me settle in and focus my thoughts on God.  The lyrics, “Spirit be my wisdom, be my words, lift me up. Spirit grow inside me, keep yours, help me grow,” opens my mind, heart and soul to the Lord. 

Next up is Power. I can’t explain it. You have to hear it, experience it.  It wakes me up, pumps me up. By the end of the song, I am ready to serve in any way God sees fit. This song is more energizing than Cuban Espresso, Red Bull, or 5-Hour Energy drinks. Don’t take my word for it; listen for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmKAekQFzs4  I think you will agree, Marty’s music is off the chain!  Uplifting and inspiring.

Better yet, you can see Marty live at Malvern Retreat House throughout various retreats during the year. Spirit Power is now part of our Malvern Retreat House ministry. Great news! Marty has joined with us in taking the Good Word to the streets through our new and innovative outreach called RETREATS2GO. His presence in our beloved retreat house is spiritually electrifying; can you imagine him in your parish, work place, hospital or community?

My advice, skip the coffee and start your day with a shot of Marty. (Caution, listening may cause spontaneous outbursts of joy). 

For more information on Spirit Power visit: https://spiritpowermusic.org/