Devotion

I'm just so amazed at how the Lord is working out things....things I really never thought possible. Not that I didn't have the faith to believe for it. But in reality, I didn't think all this would happen for another 10 or 20 years! And so continues my life as an epic movie. You know the 8-hour mini-series type movies.

I told God, and James and Cassie that I would follow them wherever they went. That I felt like the Lord wanted me to. Even if it meant going all the way to Mexico. Well....it's looking more and more like that will be the case.
The thought literally blows my mind! Why would God make me a missionary? Geez! Crazy sounding huh?

I read in my Bible last night about devoting ones tithes and possessions to the Lord. And it went on to read in the side-panel about how serious devotion was. That it can't be taken lightly. That devotion is an all-out, wholehearted dedication to the Lord. Having a willingness to do and go wherever the Lord purposes you to go.
So, I'm asking the Lord for help in increasing my faith to be able to live up to this type of devotion.

How He Loves Us

I had to share this with you. A very precious person led me to this today, and I had to share with you how much it truly touched my heart, i hope it does yours the same.
The song is How He Loves Us...but the implications go so much deeper than I can relate via email. My heart constricts with...with a supernatural love that can only be the kind of our Father.
So often we (I) let the "troubles" of this effervescent world bog us down. The things in the here and now, that require our attention, but have no relevence to eternity, yet that we let get the best of us, when there are so many more important things that require our focus. The precious precious people of the unreached world for one. How often do they cross our mind during the day...and how often do we tuck that thought aside for later. It breaks my heart to think how much I've done that. It breaks my heart to think how often I've placed my miniscule "needs" above those people's. Have we not been commissioned for that...the time is our now.
I struggle to express this thing that the Lord has pressed so heavily into my heart. I feel my human vocabulary cannot even begin to describe the magnitude of it.
Simply saying...He loves us. Even when we can't see it or hear it or sometimes feel it. But He's there in the stillness... supporting and holding us up nonetheless. We are His physical extension...His arms to the hurting and lost...for His love to shine thru us.
I don't know if I've managed to explain what He has shown me tonight... But my prayer is that whatever any of you, my friends, are going thru, dealing with, or believing for...He loves us...oh how He loves us. Show that love to someone, everyone you meet - it very well could not only make their day, but change their life forever.

So check out this worship video. It is long, but listen to the heartfelt words and let them work in your own heart.

Sinatra's Coffee Gallery

To all my Springfield friends, You must stop in and see the newest hotspot in town: Sinatra's Coffee Gallery. It is located at the corner of National and Chestnut Expressway. Sinatra's is unique in many ways. First it is owned and operated by the only female coffee shop owner in town, Kim Batson. It then brings a new genre to town in it's Sinatra-Era decor and theme. Black and White with the touch of Scarlet Red. This was Oaxacafe's first real consultation project as well. A really cool thing is that from Kim's awesome ideas and inspiration, I was able to design the logo and menu. I'm not particularly a logo-person, but this one turned out awesome and I'm so pleased with it! It's like Sinatra's is our "baby", following it from its conception to labor pains to birth. It's been awesome to see the progress, and tonight was the Pre-Opening. From the sparkling glasses used for every drink to the black leather lounge chairs, everything has fallen into place. This is going to be the coolest place to hangout in Springfield in the coming weeks, and that has nothing to do with my involvement in the project.
This fine establishment will be serving only the finest products. Tell your friends, and stop in for a latte!

Sweet Tooth

Askinosie Chocolate: He's Not Your Momma's Willie Wonka

Official Website of Askinosie Chocolate

...all that matters is

All That Matters
by Addison Road

I may never be the one that gets a second glance
I may never be the one they call the prettiest
But that’s alright with me

And maybe I don’t follow every crazy passion
Spend all my time trying to get a good reaction
But that’s ok with me

This world is like a trampoline
High and low no in between
Jumping at the chance to please
Everyone but that’s not me

Cause all that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And that’s all that matters to me

Some people tell me to step out and do my own thing
And others say I got to blend in just to be the same
And stop being me

But this shallow world is no longer what I’m made of
I’ve been changed by grace
I’ve been saved by love
What more do I need

My life comes from the One
Who made the stars and brought the sun
He loves me more than these
So I don’t need another identity

You're Not Alone

You're Not Alone
by Meredith Andrews

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and though I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
singing

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone

You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
Sayin'

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....

You're not alone
for I... I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest nights
Your darkest nights
And I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

You Are Everything

You Are Everything
By Matthew West


I'm the one with two left feet standing on a lonely street
I can't even walk a straight line
And every time you look at me I'm spinning like an autumn leaf
Bound to hit bottom some time

Where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won't let me fall?

You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can't believe is happening
You're standing right in front of me with arms wide open
All I know is everyday is filled with hope

'Cause You are everything that I breathe for
And I can't help but breathe
You in and breathe again feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart

I'm the one with big mistakes, big regrets
And bigger breaks than I'd ever care to confess
Oh, but You're the one who looks at me
And sees what I was meant to be more than just a beautiful mess

Oh where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won't let me fall?

You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can't believe is happening
You're standing right in front of me with arms wide open
All I know is everyday is filled with hope

'Cause You are everything that I breathe for
And I can't help but breathe
You in and breathe again feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart

You're everything good in my life
Everything honest and true
And all of those stars hanging up in the sky
Could never shine brighter than You

You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can't believe is happening
You're standing right in front of me with arms wide open
All I know is everyday is filled with hope

'Cause You are everything that I breathe for
And I can't help but breathe
You in and breathe again feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart

You are, oh You are
Jesus, You are
You are everything