It's Your Life

It's Your Life
by Francesca Battistelli


This is the moment
It’s on the line
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle between
Wrong and right
But you know after all

It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

Are you who you always said you would be?
With a sinking feeling in your chest
Always waiting for someone else to fix you
Tell me when did you forget

It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

To live the way that you believe
This is your opportunity
To let your life be one that lights the way

It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

Different kind of love

So I just watched "Marley & Me" and after wiping away my blubbery mess of tears, I reflected on all my pets in my past.

I've had pets all my life.  At the beginning of my life was dark tabby Hoppy the cat. He had 3 legs, and hence hopped everywhere. I used to love to hear my mom tell the story of how she and my dad found him caught in a trap in the barn. He lost one of his back legs to that trap, but it didn't slow him down, in fact, I think he moved faster without it! He was a tough kitty.  He endured me and my sister, my cousins, and the neighbor kids roughing him up and throwing him around.  He never seemed to mind, and he never bared his teeth at us or nipped at us.  He will always hold a special place in my heart. :*}


Then there was Penny the Siamese kitty.  She was a stray that happened to find her way to our house.  She was very pleasant and oh so pretty too.  She had a batch of twin grey kittens not long after.  She stayed around for years, then she just wasn't there anymore. 


Lacy the big fluffy white dog.  She was a gift from my daddy when I was 10 and broke my arm at school.  He got her for me to make me feel better.  I remember holding onto her so tight and she seemed like a big fuzzy pillow. You could get lost in her fur.  She was also very ADHD.  If we left for very long, she found things to chew up.  She chewed up a couple of blankets. She'd pull the clothes off the clothesline.  The last straw for my parents was when she chewed up my little sister's new ball glove.  My dad found a new home for her with some friends of ours where she could have a huge fenced in back yard to run off that energy.  


When my cousin's Calico cat had kittens I got to pick one out for myself.  There were two little boy kittens that were near identical, except one was light grey and white and the other was dark grey and white.  I took the light grey/white one and name him Boston.  My cousin kept the darker twin and named him Denver. :)  He was a great cat.  It was like he was a reincarnate of Hoppy (only with all his legs).  He was very mild-mannered, great with all children; always just "there".  When I was 12 we moved about 5 miles down across to another county, and brought him with us.  We kept him in our basement so he could get used to the new environment. The indoors threw him off a bit, as he was an outdoors feline.  This only lasted a couple of weeks before he got restless and crawled out of a basement window.  We never did find him.  My Papu even joined in on the search, but still no Boston to be found.  Many months, even a year later (I can't quite recall which), someone said they had seen a cat that looked identical to Boston at our old house.  We think he must have gotten "homesick" and found his way back.  I have heard that that happens sometimes.  


As a way to ease my sadness with "losing" Boston, some friends of ours, the Dippers, offered first pick out of their newest batch of kittens.  One evening my dad took me over to look at them.  Elvis was the name of the daddy of the litter.  Kind of humourous, really. ;)  I found one, a cute little black and white female kitten.  I didn't name her right away...you have to be sure about these sort of things.  So we took her home and let her become accustomed to her new home.  She immediately took up and hid behind the sofa. She was there for hours.  Never coming out or making a sound.  We tried coaxing her out with food, but that failed.  Eventually this went on and on.  We finally had to pull the sofa out to get to her. LOL!  My dad made a comment "Boy, she's a little nuisance!"  And that's how she got her name.  She was quite a Nuisance, too!  This became more clearer as she got older.  She was also a rather "easy" she-cat. Yes, that's right. Every time we turned around she was pregnant.  Sure, we could have gotten her fixed, but when you live on a farm, that's one of the last things you think to do to your animals.  So she was like the Energizer Bunny of cats...She kept going and going and going.  But she was a good cat for the most part. Sure she had her weaknesses, like getting outside a lot (which led to her "scarlet letter").  Her last litter was actually born on my birthday one year.  It was one lone brown tabby kitten, whom we named Squirrel, because he was so small, like a baby squirrel, and he later lived up to that name, as he was quite squirrelly! Hilariously so! About a year later, Nuisance got outside and never came back home.  She was 10 years old at this point.  We decided she knew she was going to die, so she went off to do it alone.  It was a sad sad day. Mainly because I knew that I hadn't been paying much attention to her for a long time, and that I regretted deeply.  :*{  
I tried to replace Nuisance.  You can't replace a pet though.  Nothing can ever live up to the pedestal that you placed that one amazing pet on.  

So her son Squirrel remained a permanent fixture in our household.  He was a great cat.  So smart.  And he knew if something was wrong, he could sense this.  He was good with kids, albeit a bit feisty. lol. 
We didn't get to many years with Squirrel however.  About four years later, he developed a stomach problem. He couldn't keep his food down, and was always getting sick.  We got angry at him when this happened, before we realized what it was, and that it was fatal.  We could have taken him to a vet, but growing up on a farm, you don't take your cats to vets.  It's just the cycle of life.  They're born, you have fun with them, love them, play with them, and then they pass on.  Squirrel was probably the one that hurt the most of all the pets I lost.  At this point I was 25, and well past the point of childhood.  However, it was also an end of an era. He was the last litter that dear Nuisance ever bore.  I remember that night so clear.  He was laying on a towel on the deep freeze, labored breathing.  We all went out to say our goodbyes to him. Even my mom...who didn't get attached to any of our pets.  I cried over him.  I begged him not to die.  I know it sounds silly.  But he was our Squirrel.  He was still a "baby" in my eyes.  He shared my birthday.  My mom was the last one to say goodbye to him. We think he was waiting for her, a way to be released to pass away.  It was a very emotional night for all of my family.  


I haven't had a pet since then.  


I came to a sad conclusion tonight after watching "Marley & Me": I don't know if I could ever have a pet again.  Getting another pet means opening myself up to love something that will leave someday, whether willingly or not.  I don't know if I can do that again.  I don't know if I can allow myself to "love" that way again.  

How He Loves...

How He Loves
Performed by David Crowder Band

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

And we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If his grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

Beautiful, Scandalous Night

Beautiful, Scandalous Night
by Robbie Seay Band


Go on up to the mountain of mercy
To the crimson perpetual tide
Kneel down on the shore
Be thirsty no more
Go under and be purified
Follow Christ to the holy mountain
Sinner sorry and wrecked by the fall
Cleanse your heart and your soul
In the fountain that flows
For you and for me and for all

At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree
On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night

On the hillside, you will be delivered
At the foot of the cross justified
And your spirit restored
By the river that pours
From our blessed Savior's side 

At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree
On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night

Firethrowers and Cowboys

So after ending a week with my random ADD, I started the weekend by going to the downtown Art Walk with Nancy and Roberto.  It was a nice, chilly evening...very pleasant.  It did take us about 10 minutes to find a parking spot though.  A little piece of advice, if many cars are driving down from the car parks, that's probably a good sign not to drive up them.  We drove up them, expecting someone to be leaving from a movie to grab a space.  All we achieved was to get to the very top only to have to find a teeny spot to turn around in and drive back down. It was kind of funny afterward though.

So we headed to Randy Bacon's Studio first; it's always the highlight of the evening. If you don't happen to catch any new art or photography, then there's sure to be a friendly face there you haven't seen in a while.  In this case, there was new art though.  There was this really cool exhibit by Africa artist Ibiyinka Alao. His work was very abstract and bright and filled with life, but you could still see the hardships he's endured.

When we left there we journeyed toward the square and came across a whole new world.  In the middle of the square were dredlocked firedancers flowing to the beat of bongos and drums.  It was quite fascinating!!

And then out of no where came the Superheroes. Yes, that's right...Superheroes.  There was Jewish Man (he had the Star of David emblazoned on his chest so that's what I dubbed him). Then there was Underwear Man (again...stating the obvious...he had tighty whities on the outside of his khakis)! And Towel Man (he had a towel tied around his neck for his cape).  And Lucky Charms even made an appearance...Mr Leprechaun complete with cane and top hat.  Oh I failed to mention...that earlier we had seen a gang of Zombies strolling down Walnut St heading to the Theatre.  At least I assumed they were. Maybe they were going to dine. ;)  So back to the Superheroes.  Off to the side of the square is this little gazebo-like area where Mr Mime was Hammertiming it. So like any below average superhero...this calls for a DANCE OFF!  Words cannot describe what followed.  8-}

Following the Dance Off we decided to head further into the masses.  We passed the "Legalize Marijuana" table where they were having a "Bake Sale" with some "yummy brownies" (We didn't try any, btw).  We continued on our trek and came to a huge crowd gathered in the middle of South Ave. Low and behold there was a catwalk set up, and a Fashion Show was in full force! As we made it to the corner, on one was the "Free Hugs" Street Evangelists...on the opposite corner, the "You're going to Hell if you even say the word Divorce, let alone think about it or heaven-forbid marry a divorcee" group.  I'll let you figure out who got the most interest. ;)

Deciding to call it an evening, we headed to Rendezvous for some coffee *mmm!*, all the while discussing why we even visited Seattle when we have such "culture" in our own Downtown. ;)

So being the old single people we are, we called it a night at 9:30pm.  I was in bed by 10:30pm. 

Saturday morning broke bright and clear suggesting a day filled with sunshine and smiles. (Oh that sounds so corny!) LOL!

I drove out to TownofHall to my sister, bro-in-law, and niece's house for we had plans to go to Pumpkin Daze in Republic and then to Farm Fest at the fairgrounds.  Pumpkin Daze is developing small town festival that focuses around, of course pumpkins, and all things fall and crafty.  However it could do with some reorganization, as Main street was jam packed full of people making it difficult to even get to the limited amount of craft booths on the edges.  We made it all the way through and decided it wasn't worth fighting the crowd, and decided to cut out and head on to Farm Fest. 

Farm Fest...wow. Where do I start.  I grew up on a farm.  By my roots, I'm a farmgirl.  However, I have since lost interest in being on a farm.  It's smelly, and dirty and I like high speed internet. I used to be all out country-fied, roper-wearing, Garth Brooks-fanning, farm girl.  Yeah......scaryyyyyy!  I've since shed the western wear and country music and country accent.  Although, I do have to admit to owning a pair of pink boots. And I occasionally listen to Rascal Flats. 

Anyway, back to Farm Fest. So I've never seen so many Stetsons and Wranglers and Justins in one place!! So we headed to the E-Plex where all the main booths were.  Most of them were unappealing to me, but I did find the PFI booth interesting. It had me wanting to get another pair of boots, not pink this time. ;)  I was the designated Stroller driver for my 15mo old niece and our goal for the day was to find a pink John Deere hat for her.  She's a little shop-aholic already.  Daddy put a cute little cowboy hat on her, and although it didn't fit, she wanted it so much she started bawling.  You don't tease a girl at any age, whether intentional or not, about clothing or apparel. After going through the E-Plex and catching most of the booths and a couple of brochures, we headed out to look for some John Deere tents, still in search for the Pink Hat.  Along the way we found a cute little green John Deere t-shirt. Finally we found "THE TENT" that had the John Deere GOODS!  This one had the Pink hat.  So my sister and bro-in-law got that along with some Christmas presents for my niece.  We positioned that cute little hat on her blonde locks and we set off again for the men to see the machines.  By this time all the girls were getting tired and some a little cranky and needing naps.  So we had to go to one last area...the animals.  One word... EWW.  This is reason number 1 why I don't live on a farm anymore. We finally were down in the middle of the stalls and the filthy animals and I really thought I was either going to pass out or barf.  Either way, I was completely out of place and out of my element.  LOL!  So as much as I wanted to get out of there and into fresh air, it was kind of cute to see my niece so enthralled by the animals, especially the baby ones.  We saw some adorable puppies, and I have to admit, if I had a wad of hundreds on me, I probably would have gone home with one. ;)  I think the little baby that was the most impressive was the newborn calf that was bopping and hopping and galloping his happy self around a 6x6 cage containing his momma and another cow.  Hilarious!! I wish I'd had a video camera on me at the time, because it was quite a show. 

We finally determined that we were all tired, the one needing the nap the most being my niece Brooklynn, so we started to the vehicle.  Somewhere along the trek up, we saw that the Pink John Deere hat was no where to be found. Brooklynn go upset at one one and threw it off her head, and none of us noticed!!  Daddy was ticked - not at Brooklynn, but just the fact that we'd searched long and hard for a pink hat, and now it was lost and we didn't know where. So being the Daddy he is, having his little girl wrapped around his finger, he went back to the John Deere tent and purchased another Pink hat.  This time it was tucked securely in the shopping bag under the stroller. 

I dedicate this to my Husband...

"Haven't Met You Yet"
by Michael Buble


I'm Not Surprised
Not Everything Lasts.
I've Broken My Heart So Many Times
I Stopped Keeping Track.
I Talk Myself In
I Talk Myself Out
I Get All Worked Up Then I Let Myself Down.


I Tried So Very Hard Not To Loose It,
I Came Up With A Million Excuses,
I thought I thought of Every Possibility.


And I know someday That It’ll All Turn Out
You’ll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid That I’ll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet


Mmmm


I Might Have To Wait
I’ll Never Give Up
I Guess It's Half Timing
And The Other's Half’s Luck
Wherever You Are
Whenever It's Right
You’ll Come Out Of Nowhere And Into My Life


And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Baby Your Love Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Possibility


Mmmm


And I know Someday That it’ll all Turn Out
You’ll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid I’ll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet


They Say All’s Fair
In Love And War
But I Won't Need To Fight It
We’ll Get It Right
We’ll Be United


And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Being In Your Life Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Single Possibility


Mmmm


And Someday I Know It’ll All Turn Out
And I’ll Work To Work It Out
Promise You Kid I’ll Give More Than I Get
Than I Get
Than I Get
Than I Get


Oh You Know That Will All Turn Out
And You’ll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid To Give So Much More Than I Get
Yeah I Just Haven't Met You Yet


I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Oh Promise You Kid
To Give So Much More Than I Get


I Said Love Love Love Love Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

Empty Me

I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood.
And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough.
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change.


Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.


I've had just enough of the quick bites of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away.
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change.


Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.


Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, compared to you.
Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you. So, I surrender all!


Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.
Oh, filled with you.
Empty me.

"Empty Me" by Chris Sligh (American Idol Finalist)

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

Perfect People

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

By a perfect God
By a perfect God
By a perfect God
By a perfect God
By a perfect God
   
Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed

"Perfect People" by Natalie Grant

These are the words...

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the LORD and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why your here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the LORD and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why your here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the LORD and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why your here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

"The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets 

...the day before

The Day Before You

By Matthew West

I had all but given up on finding the one
that I could fall into
On the day before you
I was ready to settle for less than love
and not much more
There was no such thing as a dream come true
But that was on the day before you

Now you're here and everything's changing
Suddenly life means so much
I can't wait to wake up tomorrow
and find out this promise is true
I will never have to go back
to the day before you

In your eyes I see forever
and it makes me wish that my life never knew
the day before you
Oh, but heaven knows those years without you
were shaping my heart for the day that I found you
And if you're the reason for all I've been through
then I'm thankful for the day before you

Now you're here and everything's changing
Suddenly life means so much
I can't wait to wake up tomorrow
and find out this promise is true
I will never have to go back
to the day before you

It was the last day that I ever lived alone
And I'm never going back
No, I'm never going back

Now you're here and everything's changing
Suddenly life means so much
I can't wait to wake up tomorrow
and find out this promise is true
I will never have to go back to
I will never have to go back to
the day before you
the day before you
I'm never going back
I'm never going back
to the day before you

A Year of Changes

Many of you have been asking me what I'll be doing now that James and Cassie are going to Mexico. Let me share with you the awesomeness of God. :)

First, let me recap the last 4 years quickly. Four years ago I went on a missions trip to Oaxaca, Mexico with my church at the time. I'd never been on one, but said to the Lord "Here I am, Send me!". Well, He took that and ran with it. ;-)
James Olson was the leader of our team, and one day when we were painting a dorm room on the missions base at Roca Blanca we were talking about careers. Asking what I did, I told him I was a Pharmacy Tech, and he went on to ask if I wanted to be a Pharmacist. My reply was "no way! I want to be a graphic designer; it's what I got a degree in but haven't had a chance to utilize it". Insert a "God Moment". :) James latched onto that piece of information and instantly offered me a position with his company, Oaxacafe (wa-ha-ka-fay) Coffee Company, of which I instantly accepted. I had been praying for quite a while for God to land me in a position that I desired. Three months later I was working for James at this unique coffee company as a graphic designer and bookkeeper. This coffee company wasn't a usual company in that it gave a large portion of it's profits to missions to support missionaries in Mexico and to help fund community transformation projects. I had no clue at the time what the Lord had placed me in to. But I was soon to find out. :) As the months and years went by I found out more and more what the Lord was bringing about, and it was way bigger than me. That was a humbling revelation for me. Since then, I've been on 2 more missions trips to Oaxaca, Mexico. Each time I found a little piece of my heart was left behind. It doesn't take much to fall in love with the precious people and the amazing country. In an unusual way, God made me a missionary.

In the midst of all this, the Lord has been fine tuning my skills in many areas: I've grown so much in my graphic design skills. I've pretty much been a self-taught student of Quickbooks (considering I never took any classes in HS or college pertaining to bookkeeping or accounting, or had interest to do so, that's quite a feat!). I've become a connoisseur of coffee, i.e. coffee snob. ;-) I've honed my techie skills ... your computer doesn't work, can't figure out Outlook, I fix it for you. My web design skills have improved dramatically from old school html to today's Dreamweaver and CSS. All of this I have to give God the glory, because without Him none of this has been possible. He's been equipping me from the very beginning, it's all been linked together.

As part of all this, not only have I been just working for Oaxacafe Coffee Company, but also LAMP International Ministries (James & Cassie's non-profit ministry), and the newly formed Lamp Cafes Unlimited (otherwise known as Oaxacafe @ Cox South coffee shop). I've been rather busy, as you can tell. ;-) But none of these have ever been a "job". It's always been working for the Kingdom of God. He's been our CEO. And the miracles that I've seen can account for that. In my free time I was doing some freelance design work for several businesses and ministries. To be honest, alot of that work helped me give money to projects in Mexico as well as fund my missions trips. If you were any of those contributors, know that the opportunity to work with you was more than just a blessing.

Now fast forward to January 2009. This was my 3rd trip to Mexico with James, and this time a team from our church, James River Assembly. The precious leaders of Roca Blanca Missions Base, Duane and Sue Kershner, have been like parents to James and Cassie for the last 20 years. We all had an idea that one day that James and Cassie would take over leadership of the missions base, but none of us really had any idea when that time would come. Well, insert another God Moment. :) While in Mexico in January, Duane sat down with James and talked with him about beginning the process of the transferral of leadership - this year. For this to happen, Oaxacafe Coffee Company would have to be sold, but we didn't really know how that would come about. A week or so after our trip to Mexico, James was approached by a a friend - gentleman and his wife saying that they were talking to a business broker about buying a business, they just didn't know what kind. Long story short, Oaxacafe Coffee Co. sold in April (3 short months after the admission in Mexico)!! This has enabled James and Cassie to move to Mexico to be full-time Directors of Operation at Roca Blanca Missions Base. They will be departing the US on Sept.12 and staying till mid-December. We will be having another missions trip with our church in January 2010 again, whereas James will lead that. Then come the spring we are believing that the Lord will have provided the funds for them to be able to build their house in Mexico.

Now back to the original question: What will I be doing now that James and Cassie will be in Mexico? I've been asking that question for months myself. I've prayed and asked the Lord "Where do You want me? What am I going to be doing next?" Many scenarios had been discussed between James, Cassie and myself. But God had something else in mind for this time.

Some of that freelance design work I was talking about was done for a business owned by John & Debbie Tortorice, "The Lamp Stand". Again, this is not an ordinary business. This business also gives and supports missions. I don't believe that this was an accident by any means. :) God knows exactly what He's doing and when. Talk about Divine Connections. Once you are joined with someone that God has brought into your life, you are joined for eternity. John and James began talking about hiring me to work for The Lamp Stand full time. What I will be doing is none other than what I do now: Graphic Design, bookkeeping help, research and development, web maintenance, customer service, anything and everything that is needed of me. I like to use the analogy of the military. I'm a soldier in God's military. I have One Commanding Officer and I've been serving in this Unit for the last 4 years. Well, transfer papers have been issued to me, and I will be serving in a different Unit. When you tell God "Here I am, Send me" He doesn't take that lightly.

So August 20th will be my final day at Oaxacafe Coffee Company. I will begin working for The Lamp Stand full time on August 24th. I will continue working for Oaxacafe @ Cox South as bookkeeper and designer and administration, as well as for LAMP International Ministries. I will most likely be doing some work for Roca Blanca, as James leads and directs, so that will become more clear as the months go on.

If I have done any freelance for you in the past, and you wish for me to do more, you can contact me via puritymatters@yahoo.com or my cell phone (which some of you have) and I'll be happy to continue serving you.

This has been an end of an era. But it's also the beginning of a new one. I'm so excited to see what the Lord has in store in this next season. If He's done all this, what MORE can He do! Don't limit Him. Take Him out of the box, and see what He will do. :)

You can follow my Business & Missions adventures via my blog: http://puritymatters.blogspot.com/ or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/puritymatters

...I thought you fell off the face of the earth

Face of the Earth
by TobyMac

Its been a long time coming
since I saw your face
Since we held it down
Since we were in the chase
It was the road less traveled
The path less formed
A skinny trail
It was barely worn

But we kept walkin'
and slippin' and talking'
And runnin' and fallin'
And cryin' and crawlin'

We were in the trenches
On top of the world
Young refugees but we were momma's pearls
Where you been dog?
Where you been?

I thought you fell off the face of the earth
I thought you fell, I thought you fell
I thought you fell off the face of the earth
I thought you fell, I thought you fell

Its been way too long and we've come too far
For you to drop out of my life like a falling star
Right off my radar
Not a sign or a trace
You know I had love for you that's Bigger than mistakes

Now Hope Road is calling
Let's pack you up and move
'Cause real friends are willing to intrude
So I'm gonna push you in because I wanna love you well
Let the ghosts of your past rest

Open up the door
This is the first day of the rest of your life
What are you waiting for?
This is the first day of the rest of your life
Open up the door

To life ...
Behold I stand at the door and knock
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door
I will come in ...

...made for another world

C.S. Lewis Song
by Brooke Fraser

If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,
Then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared

[CHORUS]
Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me

Am I lost or just less found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
Is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive?
'Cos my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
And avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become

[CHORUS]

[BRIDGE]
For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you
Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming

:)

Teardrops On My Guitar
By Taylor Swift

Drew looks at me
I fake a smile so he won't see
What I want and I need
And everything that we should be

I'll bet she's beautiful
That girl he talks about
And she's got everything
That I have to live without

Drew talks to me
I laugh 'cause it's just so funny
I can't even see
Anyone when he's with me

He says he's so in love
He's finally got it right
I wonder if he knows
He's all I think about at night

He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing
Don't know why I do

Drew walks by me
Can he tell that I can't breathe?
And there he goes, so perfectly
The kind of flawless I wish I could be

She better hold him tight
Give him all her love
Look in those beautiful eyes
And know she's lucky 'cause

He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing
Don't know why I do

So I drive home alone
As I turn out the light
I'll put his picture down
And maybe get some sleep tonight

'Cuz he's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart
He's the song in the car I keep singing
Don't know why I do

He's the time taken up but there's never enough
And he's all that I need to fall into
Drew looks at me
I fake a smile so he won't see


© TAYLOR SWIFT PUB DESIGNEE; HILLSBORO VALLEY SONGS; SONY/ATV SOUNDS D/B/A TIMBER PUB CO; SONY/ATV SONGS D/B/A TREE PUBG CO;

Going through the motions...

The Motions
By Matthew West

This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way

Present Weakness & Resurrection Life

I get tired...a lot. In my body, in my mind, in my heart and yes, even in my spirit. The tiredness sometimes has a seemingly physical pain to it.

Do you ever do something for so long, that one day you think "why am I even doing this?" The initial zeal and original meaning to what you've been doing has faded into the background and forgotten about.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." [Matt. 26:41]

And then that small spark comes into your mind, a whisper to your heart...the Holy Spirit speaking to you, quietly reminding you "remember, this is why I called you".

You have to stop and step back and reevaluate all that you've been doing for so long to really put into perspective what it is that God has set you on course to do.

Go back to the first thing you know for certain the Lord said for you to do. Then ask yourself, "Am I doing this?"

If you're not, don't panic (that's what the enemy wants you to do) - just pick yourself up (let Him help you), brush yourself off, and take that next step forward...often times, that is a step of faith.

I know, it can be scary. The unknown usually is. But I also know, that step is worth taking. I know without a doubt that where I'm going is far better than where I've been.

I can't see where I'm going. I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. I'm not the best navigator, I have to have physical landmarks to be able to know where I need to go, not to mention being directionally challenged in many cases. I take detours to get around road construction only to find myself running into more road construction. But thank God, He's the one navigating this journey, not me.

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. [2 Corinthians 4]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Transgenerational Blessings

I had found this newsletter a week after it was delivered in my inbox. Wow! What a refreshing reminder! I wanted to post it as an encouragement to all of you. - T



Transgenerational Blessings
Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones
Streaming Faith Newsletter

The character qualities of Joseph are revealed in Genesis forty-five. Joseph refuses to retaliate against his brothers, but rather he sets his family up for a breakthrough blessing. He transitions his family out of famine and lack into abundance. He changes their economic status; Joseph positioned his family to receive a bailout package.

This stimulus package not only stirred their economy as a family, it repositioned them for transgenerational wealth. The concept of transgenerational wealth requires generational planning. This is how many ethnic groups in developing countries have failed future generations. The lack of sacrificing present luxuries for future needs breeds a lack of integrity for stewardship.

Unfortunately, even we in the West have embraced the same careless principles. These principles are robed with sophisticated degrees and approved by celebrities, accepted by popularity and executed by government.

God's original plan for families has always been to establish a channel for His goodness and mercy of transgenerational wealth to flow through. This one act of transgenerational wealth would position Jacob's sons and his son's sons to come into their inheritance of the Abrahamic covenant.

The transgenerational blessing of the Abrahamic covenant holds neither expiration date nor limitation of abundance nor scarcity of favor. The covenant of transgenerational blessings vetoes and dismantles the most restricted and hostel decrees and legislations of the day.

The Egyptian government owned Hebrew slaves, which was the judicial custom of the day. Yet Pharaoh promised them the best land of Egypt and the very fat of the land. Oh my God, it gets even better in Genesis 45:18 which states, "And bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land." (New International Version)

When the scripture refers to the fat of the land, it means the choicest produce of the land. The God, El Shaddai, not only gave these slaves descendant land, but He also gave them the most fertile part of the land for future re-production. This land allotment of fertile soil positioned them to become financially self-sufficient through cultivating the best orchards and vineyards.

Even globally today, the Israelis provide the world's best vegetation produce and vibrant flowers. Because of Joseph's loyalty and display of integrity to Pharaoh and his commitment to the transgenerational covenant, the favor of God was transferred from him to future tribes. They were able to develop a business that the sons of Jacob could inherit and pass on to their sons; this is a covenant example of transgenerational blessings. It is a promise to every believer that through us, the nations of the Earth shall be blessed.

You have within your spiritual loins: job promotions, college education, houses, businesses, and career opportunities that have been provided by God through you for your family. Everything that God has predestined for you and your family has already been deposited in you.

You are a courier of transgenerational blessings.

The ministry of Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones has created a tremendous impact for more than 25 years in over 100 countries around the world, bringing deliverance and salvation to countless thousands through Master's Touch Ministries, a mission outreach that has headquarters in North Carolina, Los Angeles, and London, England. For more information about Dr. Bailey Jones, log onto www.mtmintl.org

Eternal Thoughts

As everyone is now aware via television, radio, and newspapers, three very famous, and very influential people passed from this world. Many people are mourning their "legacy". Many people are mourning their "talents". Many people are mourning the loss of their "friend". But it has me thinking some rather deep thoughts this morning. As they passed from this fleeting world, did they enter eternity with Jesus? Ultimately, that is the only thing that matters.

These famous peoples contributions to our world entertainment culture has molded us as a society. You hear a phrase and you think of that person. You hear a clip of music and instantly you are transported back in time to a memory of your childhood. They brought a lot of good to our lives...and I'm sure a lot of grievances as well. But what shape was their soul in?

Generations will rise up and time will pass, and these famous people will either be epitomized or forgotten. This is the trend of all people through all time. Just read the Bible. There were many many people mentioned in the Bible only by the description "a certain man" or "a certain woman". They weren't named by name because the things in their lives had little or no impact on the bigger picture. Then there were those that were mentioned by name who changed the course of history (Jael, Ruth, Joshua, Caleb) and there were those who were so impacted by God and our Lord Jesus that they were given new names (Abraham, Peter, Paul).

It saddens me to hear of the things that one of these famous people were accused of (even caught in the act of doing perhaps). He was apparently a confused and tortured soul. He seemed to be conforming to a way that seemed strange to us. He seemed to be searching for something or Someone...but did he ever find what or Who he was looking for? In those last moments, did he confess of his sins, of his wayward life, and give his heart to the only One who could give him everything? I don't know. No one may ever know. These things were between only two people, this famous person and the Almighty God.

So I contemplate today...Do I want to be remembered for the good things I did (works) or the bad decisions I made and was forgiven of? Or do I want to be impacted by the All Powerful, Ever-Encompassing, Almighty Jehovah Jireh God? Will I be a person that will take that change and let others see this Light that shines from within? I don't know if I'll be remembered once I am gone from this world. I don't know if I'll have a legacy to to leave. But when I'm walking those streets of gold beside the crystal sea, with my Saviour by my side, nothing that I say or do or am on this earth will matter other than did I do what He asked of me.

I'll Be There...

You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you, I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there

I'll be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you, I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well that's all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be there to protect you, with an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name and I'll be there

If you should ever find someone new, I know he'd better be good to you
'Cause if he doesn't, I'll be there
Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah
I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there

(Just look over your shoulders, honey - oo)

I'll be there, I'll be there, whenever you need me, I'll be there
Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah

I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there...

...do you hear the calling -- Lord SEND ME!

"TWO WEEKS IN AFRICA"
By Caedmon's Call

Johannesburg to Capetown,
the plane had barely touched down.
She was taking photos for the friends back home.
This was always where she felt her heart belonged.
She was finally here,
the sky was bright and clear.

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

Johannesburg to Houston,
she came home on a mountain.
But school was starting, things kept moving on.
Before you knew it, seven years had gone.
She found a picture of her, standing, smiling,
arms around the starving kids.
She swore not to forget,
she swore not to forget...

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

And if we follow our dear sun
to where the stars are not familiar.
Faces turn to numbers,
numbers fall like manna from the sky.
Why, oh why? Oh Father, why?
One village in Malawi now has water running pure and clean.
One church alive in Kenya's full of truth and love and medicine.

We put the walls up, but Jesus keeps them standing.
He doesn't need us, but He lets us put our hands in.
So we can see, His love is bigger than you and me.

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

...Beautiful Collision

Beautiful Collision
by DCB

The heart breaking makes a sound
I never knew could be
So beautiful and loud
Fury filled and we collide

So courageous until now
Fumbling and scared
So afraid You'll find me out,
Alone here with my doubt

Here it comes, a beautiful collision
Is happening now.
There seems no end to where You begin and there I am now
You and I collide

Something circling inside,
Spaciously you fly
Infinite and wide,
Like the moon and sky
Collide

Here it comes, a beautiful collision
Is happening now.
There seems no end to where you begin and there I am now
You and I, collide

Yeah Yeah Yeah

Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Collide
Here it comes, Here it comes now (You and I)
Here it comes, Here it comes now (You and I)
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Feel it coming on, Feel it coming on now, Here it comes now
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now

Come On Back To Me...

You’ve been hiding now for so long
Never understanding why
Running far away from the truth
And all along chasing after lies

I have loved you from the beginning
Long before you knew My name
Even though you’ve broken My heart
I’ll love you just the same
I’ll love you anyway

Never mind your worries
Never mind your fears
They can only take you far from Me
When you feel there’s nowhere
Left for you to turn
Well, I got all you want
And everything you need
Come on back to Me

Come on back to Me

Come on back to Me

Do you believe in second chances
Or in a love that never fades
Put your faith in what you can’t see
Just put your hand in Mine
And I’ll show you the way

Come On Back To Me lyrics by Third Day

Take Me In...

Take me into the holy of holies
Take me in by the blood of the lamb
Take me into the holy of holies
Take the coal, touch my lips, here I am

Take me past the outer courts
Into the Holy Place
Past the brazen altar
Lord I want to see your face
Pass me by the crowds of people
And the Priests who sing your praise
I hunger and thirst for your righteousness
But it's only found in one place

[Chorus:]
Take me into the holy of holies
Take me in by the blood of the lamb
Take me into the holy of holies
Take the coal, touch my lips, here I am

"Take Me In" lyrics by Kutless

Revelation Song

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of your name
Jesus your name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

lyrics by Kari Jobe

More Beautiful You

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you’re not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

Lyrics by Johnny Diaz

While I'm Waiting

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

lyrics by John Waller