Fall Apart.....

So today I was driving home from work when this song came on the radio. It really got me to start thinking about how in troubled times we tend to turn away from God or the church rather than towards them for help. We all have times in which we struggle and the best thing to do is to give it to Him and let His grace just handle it. When everything falls apart let Him wrap His arms around you.


Fall Apart
By Josh Wilson
From the album See You


Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know You when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise

Now it all seems upside down

(Chorus)
'Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to now You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart

Blessed are the ones who understand
We got nothing to bring but empty hands
Nothing to hide and nothing to prove
Our heartbreak brings us back to You

And it all seems upside down

Chorus

I don't know how long this will last
I'm praying for the pain to pass
But maybe this is the best thing
That has ever happened to me

Chorus

Realization.......

Yesterday evening I was driving and had the realization that at some point or another, I have let every single person that has been in my life down in one way or another. This thought and theory came up as I thought that there are some people that really get what they want when it comes to me. I do tend to be soft hearted and give in with the correct people. Well then I got to thinking about one person who ranks up there on the list of being well taken care of when it comes to me and I realized that I had even let them down at one point. Then I started to think about redemption and how by grace we have been redeemed and that we are forgiven. Even those that I have let down have forgiven me for my actions whatever they may be. Even this person that came to mind had shown forgiveness and had moved on from the situation in which I let them down. In the same way, we stumble and fall when it comes to our walk with Christ. We are called to live certain ways and do certain things but we tend to run from those things that we are called to do and do what we want or feel we need to do. We choose to ignore a call to go and be an example or make a difference and run from it. Like Jonah, we find any reason not to go to a place we are supposed to go and do what we are called to do. For those that I have let down and have never said it, I am sorry for my actions or for not being able to fulfill your request. To this one person that came to mind, if you ever figure out that it is you, I am glad that there will be many more years to come to see where you are being called. You my dear brother, are a light that shines bright and anyone that sees the real you will see exactly how bright your heart is and the things that are in store for you because they are great! More importantly, I may not have been able to fulfill one hope of yours but I know that we have had many more times that memories have been made and way more to come than are imaginable. Your journey has only begun and I can't wait to see where it leads you!

I know that there are times in life that we all just want to give up. Whether it be that we don't feel that we matter, or that we are just a complete failure. There is always somebody out there that loves us and wants to be there to encourage us. If ever you have had the urge to just throw in the towel then these words are for you.


Mandisa - Stronger
From the album What If We Were Real


Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

(Chorus)
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger,
stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me, this is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

Chorus

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

Chorus

From Nowhere........

This weekend I was driving and thinking about somebody and the times that we have shared and this song came on the radio. We all struggle at times and in some cases it doesn't seem like a big issue to some but can be the worst thing to ever happen. Choices can be hard at times but with the right help we can overcome what is in front of us and look ahead at either a new beginning or one that involves loved ones. I had to continue to listen to the song even after it was done on the radio because of the words it speaks.


Josh Wilson - Before the Morning
From the album Life is Not A Snapshot


Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you
If there's a God who loves you
Where is He now

Maybe there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Someday somehow you'll see you'll see

Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning

My friend you know how this all ends
And You know where you're going
You just don't know how you'll get there
So say a prayer

And hold on cause there's good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you'll see the bigger picture

Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning

Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory, memory, memory

Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still got a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It can't compare to the joy that's coming

Come on you've gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you've been feeling
It's just the dark before the morning
Before the morning

We all go through hard times in life. How will you embrace it? Will you run from your situation or grab life and rise up from it like a bull's horns and win the fight? One young man that I have known for several years has been one to rise up from whatever is handed to him and I am so amazed for the man that he has become. I hope that I can continue to watch and learn from him!


The Afters - Lift Me Up
From the album Light Up The Sky


You lift me up with your love (x3)
You lift me up

Waiting for the sunrise
Waiting for the day
Waiting for a sign
That I'm where You want me to be

You know my heart is heavy
And the hurt is deep
But when I feel like giving up
You're reminding me
That we all fall down sometimes
But when I hit the ground

(Chorus)
You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me
So I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me
So I'm letting go

You lift me up with your love (x3)
You lift me up

I know I'm not perfect
I know I make mistakes
I know that I have let you down
But You love me the same

And when I'm surrounded
When I lose my way
When I'm crying out and falling down
You are here to

Chorus

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with Your love
With Your love
I don't know what I can offer
In this moment I surrender to Your love
To your love

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go

Chorus

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with Your love, with Your love

You lift me up with Your love (x3)
You lift me up

A Little More.............

This is another reason to know that you are not alone.
Skillet - A Little MoreFrom the album Collide
Love is all around you nowSo take a holdHidden in our wordsIt sometimes ain't enoughDon't suffocate day after dayIt's building upCause when you're feeling weakYou know I'm strong enoughJust one more dayOne more dayOh, let the world crashLove can take itOh, let the world come crashing downOh, let the world crashLove can take itLove can take a littleLove can give a little moreLove is indestructibleSo take a holdSometimes hard to findA reason good enoughI'll stand beside youNever leave through it allAnd faith will bring a wayTo the impossibleJust one more dayOne more dayOh, let the world crashLove can take itOh, let the world come crashing downOh, let the world crashLove can take itLove can take a littleLove can give a little moreYou can find meYou can find meYou can find me anywhereTake a look over your shoulderI'll be standing thereStanding thereLove is all around you nowSo take a holdAnd faith will bring a wayTo the impossibleJust one more day(You can find me, You can find me)One more day(You can find me anywhere) [2x]Let the world crashLove can take itOh, let the world come crashing downOh, let the world crashLove can take itLove can take a littleLove can take a littleLove can take a littleLove can give a little moreA little moreTake a little moreTake a little more

Your Not Invisible

This song kind of ties into the last one I posted titled Not Alone. To know that you are not invisible and that there are indeed others out there who just want to be around you and show you that you do matter is refreshing. If ever you feel that you are invisible or alone, I encourage you to stop and take a look around. You are not. There is somebody out there waiting to listen or to walk with you on this journey called life. The words to the song are in red due to complications with the site not keeping the song how I posted it. Disciple - Invisible From the album Horseshoes & Handgrenades You’ve got my attention There’s no need to hurt yourself this way You think no one will notice how you’re feeling When you cry yourself to sleep You feel stuck on the outside looking inside Wishing this life wasn’t your life And you think you’re damaged way beyond repair Well you’re not so far that I can’t get to where you are Chorus You wish you were someone else Every night you fall to pieces Knowing you can’t save yourself I can see you, I can hear you There’s a place where the broken go There’s a room full of second chances You’re not stranded on your own You’re not invisible I’m ready to listen There’s no need to hold it all inside The smallest whisper I hear it when your strength has all but died I need you to believe me, can you trust me That what you see, is not what I see The reflection in the mirror’s telling lies Cause nothing you have done could change how much I love you Chorus Bridge You’re not invisible I can see you as you’re falling on your knees You’re not invisible to Me Chorus You're not invisible to me

Not Alone.............

So often in today's society teens believe that there is nobody out there to listen to them and that they are in whatever struggle they are going through alone. How are we reaching out to let them know that they are not alone? In actuality, it isn't just teens. Nobody is alone! There is always somebody that will listen to what you are going through. Not Alone by Red Slowly fading away You're lost and so afraid Where is the hope In a world so cold? Looking for a distant light Someone who can save a life Living in fear that no one will hear your cries (Come and save me now) I am with you I will carry you through it all I won't leave you I will catch you When you feel like letting go 'Cause you're not You're not alone Your heart is full of broken dreams Just a fading memory And everything's gone But the pain carries on Lost in the rain again When will it ever end? It's Hard to believe It seems so out of reach But I (I am here) I am with you I will carry you through it all I won't leave you I will catch you When you feel like letting go 'Cause you're not You're not alone And I will be your hope When you feel like it's over And i will pick you up When your whole world shatters When you're finally in my arms Look up and see love as a face I am with you I will carry you through it all I won't leave you I will catch you When you feel like letting go 'Cause you're not You're not alone And I will be your hope You're not alone And I will pick you up And i will be your hope Slowly fading away Lost and so afraid Where is the hope in a world so cold?

Listening To The Sound........

It some recent conversations with several youth over the last few months I have noticed a theme in some of them. Then I heard this song and it made me think of our conversations.


Building 429 - Listen To The Sound
From the album Listen To The Sound

Are you in over your head
Are you in water so deep you're drowning
Do you think you've been left
And there is no one to feel your hurting
Well, everybody has been there
And everybody's felt lost
If you're in over your head
Lift it up, lift it up

(Chorus)
Oh, listen to the sound of hope that's rising up
Over your horizon
Listen to the sound, listen to the sound
And listen to the sound of a new beginning
Oh, this is where the old is ending
Listen to the sound, listen to the sound

I hear you say you're alone
I hear you saying that you'll never make it
I've got to tell you you're wrong
‘Cause I have been down this path you're takin'
You'll never know what faith is
‘Til you don't understand
Sometimes it takes a silence
To finally hear His plan

Chorus

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
I once was lost, but now I'm found

Chorus

His Grace is reaching for us
His Grace is reaching out
Listen to the sound, listen to the sound
Wherever you are(X2)


I know that at some point in our lives we have all felt like this. Know that you are not and never have been nor ever will be alone. You always have support in the things that are going on in your life and all you need to do is listen to those around you.

Every time I hear a certain song I think of a couple of students that I have that really do just put a smile on my face. The song is as follows:

The Afters - Light Up The Sky
From the album Light Up The Sky

When I'm feeling all alone
With so far to go
The signs are no where on this road
Guiding me home
When the night is closing in
Is falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close?

(Chorus)
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky
To show me You are with me
I I I can't deny
No I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes
So I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me
That You are with me

When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don't feel them shining
When I can't see You beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I've almost reached the end
Like a flood You're rushing in
Your love is rushing in

(Chorus)

So I run straight into Your arms
You're the bright and morning sun
To show Your love there's nothing You won't do

(Chorus)

That You are with me
That You are with me


Label: INO Records

I hope that the two of you never think that you are alone or anyone else for that fact because you are not!

We often struggle with the things going on in our mind thinking that we are the only ones going through something. We are never alone. There is always somebody there willing and able to walk along side of us. Will you use them? Will you cry out to them?


Red - Faceless
From the album Until We Have Faces

Help for screaming from within
Begging just to feel again
Can't find who I am without you near me
I'd give anything to live, it's without you I don't exist
You're the only one who saves me from myself
I've been in this love and laid it to rest
And now I'm one of the forgotten.

I'm not, I'm not myself
Feel like I'm someone else
Rotten and faceless
So hollow, hollow inside
A part of me is dead
Need you to live again
Can you replace this?
I'm hollow, hollow and faceless

Shadows growing in my mind
Ones I just can't leave behind
I'm not strong enough to pay this ransom
One more monster crawled inside
But I swear I saw it die
Can you save me from the nothing I've become?
I've been in this love and laid it to rest
And now I'm one of the forgotten.

I'm not, I'm not myself
Feel like I'm someone else
Rotten and faceless
So hollow, hollow inside
A part of me is dead
Need you to live again
Can you replace this?
I'm hollow, hollow and faceless

I'm faceless, I'm hollow and faceless

I'm faceless

I'm not, I'm not myself
Feel like I'm someone else
Rotten and faceless
So hollow, hollow inside
A part of me is dead
Need you to live again
Can you replace this?
I'm hollow, hollow and faceless

Faceless

Long Awaited Lesson......

This weekend I got the opportunity to spend some one on one time with a very talented youth. I have know this person for almost two years now and I can really say that it has been an amazing time. It all started as I went up to counsel some Jr High students for a week. This youth seemed to seek me out and fit in with our group right away. Before the end of the week he made it sound like he was going to just climb on the bus with us and come home with us rather then with his group. I didn't think much of it as we left the mountain that day because like prior years, I had given out the ways to contact me and to keep in contact over the year. Well almost two years later, I seem to be closer to this teen then I was the week that I spent with him and he still seems to amaze me with all that he does. It is evident that there is something about him. This young man can walk into a room and everyone just lights up (no pun intended). I am reminded of a song that talks about a stranger walking into a specific town and there is just something curious about him that makes others wonder but nobody knows what it is. The song is as follows.

Rocketown By Michael W. Smith

A Friday night affair
Out in the city heat
Always a party there
Along the sordid street
And it was guaranteed
The place to be was Rocketown

The drinks were two for one
Inside the crowded bars
The girls would make their run
out on the boulevard
It was the idol place
We lived the ways of Rocketown
Hang around by the street light
In the heart of the night life

There came a certain man
A stranger to the crowd
We didn't understand
What he was all about
He walked a different pace
So out of place in Rocketown

They made a fool of him
They teased him when he'd speak
But when they knocked him down
He'd turn the other cheek
He told me I could find
A life outside of Rocketown
Hang around by the street light
In the heart of the night life

Chorus:
What was his mission
Where was he going
Why was his heart light
Always glowing
All I was missing
He stood there holding
What was his secret
Could I know it

Some didn't like him near
Some laughed and turned away
But me, I longed to hear
All that he had to say
He had a peace of mind
I couldn't find in Rocketown
Ane when I reached down inside me
I could feel the emptiness

Chorus

He said it's in the heart
This change that comes to be
Now he had done his part
The choice is up to me
As we were standing there
He said a prayer for Rocketown
As we were standing there
He said a prayer for Rocketown

He walked of silently
And prayed for me
And Rocketown...


This young man is going to do great things in life and even when others want to knock him down I know that he will stand up and rise to do whatever needs to be done for he is not alone. If you are the person I am talking about in here, thanks for the great weekend and life lesson!!

"Strong Enough"

The words to music can sometimes just reach out and grab you by speaking to you. When an artist writes words on a piece of paper they aren't sure how it is going to effect somebody. They don't even know if somebody will like the song but this one is already starting to reach listeners and the following is the story behind it. After reading the story listen to the song and the words. Where does it speak to you in your life?

By the grace of God, I am the mother of 3 awesome children, Haleigh (22), Kelsey (18) and Jordan (16). It has always been me and them against the world. I had my first daughter, Haleigh, at 19. We grew up together. When she turned 19, she had a bad car accident after sliding on black ice and shattered her right leg (high impact pilon fracture). She was in the hospital off and on for months. Her health insurance got cancelled because she couldn't maintain her full time college status. She got MRSA from the hospital. Ended up having to have 11 surgeries. As a single parent and her Mother, I didn't leave her side. But when I did, I would go home while she slept long enough to sleep a bit and run through the shower. I remember feeling so alone though. My family was/is great. They were there as much as could be, but at night, when the lights were out, I would lie in my bed and just cry from the loneliness and exhaustion, mentally and physically. That has been 3 years ago and she is still recovering. She was at one hospital that wanted to amputate her leg from the knee down, so I had her transferred to the hospital in our home town where 2 wonderful Doc's were a God send and took over her care. She is still in a boot, still has an open wound that is still healing due to the blood flow being compromised and has a long road of healing ahead of her as far as surgeries and physical therapy are concerned, but she is beautiful, living her life, going to college, living on her own,being independent and not letting it keep her down. Most importantly, she is still here with us. I have told her all along that God has a reason for everything and she definitely has a purpose. One of the times that we were in the hospital going through this horrific ordeal, I said to her "Haleigh, the Lord doesn't put anything on us that he doesn't think we are strong enough to handle" and she said "Well he must think we are pretty freaking strong then!" If it wasn't for my faith, I would have gone out of my mind. Life is hard, but God is good and I am a firm believer that there is power in prayer. Through all of that, I never felt like he left my side. He guided us to do what was necessary to protect her and sent us the wonderful Doctor's who took her under their wings and took care of her. On a side note, my daughter Kelsey has pretty much a full ride scholarship for college in the fall and will be Majoring in Pharmacy and is sunshine. My son, Jordan, is getting ready to get his license, which scares me to death. My kids are my life and I thank God for them every single day! God Bless Matthew!

Nineteen year-old, Haleigh, had plans to head off to college in the fall. Those plans changed when she was in a near tragic car accident, that left her leg shattered and her future uncertain. Her mom wrote to me to tell me about the difficult journey her daughter has had. Eleven surgeries in three years, and she is still recovering. This poor girl had all these plans and dreams, and then something comes out of nowhere and everything comes to a screeching halt. Ever been there? Maybe you can relate with how Haleigh felt one night in the hospital when her mom was trying to comfort her. Her mom said, "Haleigh, God won't let you go through anything you're not strong enough to handle." Haleigh responded with all the helplessness of a frustrated teenager, "Well, He must think I'm pretty freakin' strong!"
I've wondered the same thing. I've faced a seemingly impossible situation or two in my life, and found myself having candid conversations with God. "God, are you sure you got the right guy here?" "God, I can't do this on my own." And therein lies the point of it all. We can't do it on our own. Nothing is possible without god. But we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Phillipians 4:13 has been a significant piece of scripture in my life, and one that I have to be reminded of time and time again. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, and I don't have to be strong enough."

Do you know someone this song could help?


The following are the words to the song "Strong Enough" by Matthew West

You must You must think I'm strong
To give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us

Well, maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up
Cause when I'm finally
Finally at rock bottom
Well, that's when I start looking up
And reaching out

I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

Cause I'm broken
Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God
and you are strong
When I am weak
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

Oh, yeah
I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
Strong enough

[ Matthew West Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]

More Like Falling in Love

Sometimes there are songs that just stick out and you aren't sure why until you really start to pull apart the lyrics. How many of us is this song about? How rebelious are you?

More Like Falling in Love
by Jason Gray

Give me rules I will break them
Give me lines I will cross them
I need more than a truth to believe
I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes
To sweep me off my feet
It ought to be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
Give me words
I'll misuse them

Obligations I'll misplace them '
Cause all religion ever made of me
Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet
It never set me free
It's gotta be

CHORUS...
It's like I'm falling in love, love, love
Deeper and deeper
It was love that made
Me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me
CHORUS

By: Jason Gray and Jason Ingram

Life In A Nut Shell

There are a couple of songs that stick out and that I have been playing lately. It is pretty amazing that the writers of these songs would put these words down on paper.


In The Blink Of An Eye (by Mercy Me)

You put me here for a reason
You have a mission for me
You knew my name and you called it
Long before i learned to breathe

Sometimes i feel disappointed
By the way i spend my time
How can i further your kingdom
When i'm so wrapped up in mine?

Chorus:In a blink of an eye that is when
I'll be closer to you than i've ever been
Time will fly but until then
I'll embrace every moment i'm given
There's a reason i'm alive for a blink of an eye

And though i'm living a good life
Can my life be something great?
I have to answer the question
Before it's too late

[chorus]

If i give the very best of me
That becomes my legacy
So tell me what am i waiting for?
What am i waiting for?

[chorus]

Then there is another song that plays in my head over and over again during the day.

Time That Is Left (by Mark Schultz)
What will you do with the time that's left?
Will you live it all with no regret?
Will they say that you loved till the very end?
What will you do with the time that's left?

(chorus)
Oh hallelujah, oh hallelujah
Hallelujah, amen

And what will you with the time that's past?
Will your stronger fortress be built to last?
Will you give it to Jesus and not look back?
What will you do with the time that's past?

(chorus)

And what will you do when your time has come?
When He calls you home to His arms of love
Will He look in your eyes and say "well done"?
What will you do when your time has come?

(chorus)

(verse1)

What is your Legacy? What will you be remembered for?

Taking Life For Granted........

It is funny how often we take life for granted. I have a couple of friends who work with or are police here in Vegas that just lost a co-worker. It really starts to make you think. We go everyday living our lives being mad at people and holding grudges over petty things rather then spending our time as if it is our last. I am reminded of a song that says, "I'm living these next five minutes as if these are my last five minutes because these next five minutes may be all I have." Then I start to think of questions like will I be missed. What will those in my life do to remember me? Did I make an impact on someones life? This has been an interesting year for that. I have heard of many deaths of people that surround me and I know it is hard to loose a loved one. I was actually talking to somebody one night about what if you were here one minute and gone the next? What if it was me? His immediate response was I don't want to think about that. To be honest none of us do! Are you ready? Have you said your last good byes? Then another song comes into play that says "If you fly away tonight, I want to tell you that I love you I hope that you can hear me I hope that you can feel me If you fly away tonight I want to tell you that I'm sorry That I never told you when we were face to face." So again I say, make the most out of the time that you have with those around you. Those moments may be the last. I do know that when it is my time to go, I want it to be a time of celebration and not of sadness. It has been an awesome journey so far and when it is my time to say farewell think of all the good times.

Reflections

Now that I am back from my trip I can fully process the trip and see how awesome it was. I love community and it is great to be around friends and family. I can honestly say that I was deep in thought the entire week! From how I started going up on a mountain top to where it has lead me over the years. My Daddy really is an amazing Father and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't want to spend it with him.

Reflections

Now that I am back from my trip I can fully process the trip and see how awesome it was. I love community and it is great to be around friends and family. I can honestly say that I was deep in thought the entire week! From how I started going up on a mountain top to where it has lead me over the years. My Daddy really is an amazing Father and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't want to spend it with him.

Fortune Cookie..........

So the other day I was driving home and eating a couple of fortune cookies. After I finished eating the actual cookie I read what the fortune was and that got me thinking. It said "Nothing in the world is accomplished without passion." This is a very strong statement!! Then as I got to thinking more about it faith came into play. Because I work with Jr High and High Schoolers (more Jr High than High Schoolers) I started thinking about them and their faith. Next brought me to the thought of our yearly Mission Trip down to Mexicali where they experiance first hand the root of Mission, Ministry, and Outreach. Mission is meant for just anybody to do but it is great to see what He will do with each and every person there. I have always like Mission Trips but when I was in High School never went on them (especially to Mexico). It was mainly my choice but I was more into the summer camp thing at that point. Only when I actually went down to Mexico did it open my eyes to what He had in store for me. For the last 3 years our High School group as well as adults from our church go down to Mexicali for a week long adventure. We grow as a team and strengthen our faith. Though there may by tests while we are there it is so amazing to see our group of young adults work side by side with a community of believers that are so focused on family and not themselves. If you were to go down there you can learn a lot from them. They live with what they have and to get things that they don't need. And here we view them as a third world country. I don't see that as the case. Rather I see them as very rich in the things that they have because it is the fact that the live with what they need and are happy with what they have rather then getting things that they want to fill their happiness. They have a passion for family as well as happiness and that is one of the biggest accomplishments that anybody could ever have. So I leave you with this statement again..... "Nothing in the world is accomplished without passion."

Not Again.........

So here I go again having songs stuck in my head. It is such a great song by a great artist. I love the message that it gives. Here it is. If you want to get a glimpse of it go to www.myspace.com/brandonheath

Brandon Heath - Give Me Your EyesFrom the album What If We

Look down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touch down on the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos

Chorus
All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me you heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what's underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work, He's buying time

Chorus

I’ve been here a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just move and pass me by
I swear I never thought that
I was wrong I want a second glance
Give me a second chance
To see the way you’ve seen the people all along

Chorus

You can hear the full song on www.myspace.com/papagerbal and it is the last song on the list of songs on the player. Have a great week!!

The Hardest Workers..........

So over the last few years I have started opening my eyes more so then what I had in the past. In my opinion, the hardest workers that I have come across are Mexican. They don't cry about the weather or what they have to do, they just do it. Plus I admir the fact that most of them live with what they've got, not with riches like we do. I think the person that reminds me the most of everything they do is my nephew. No his isn't Mexican but he is willing to jump in and do anything he can to help. The funny part is he is only 4 1/2 years old. He doesn't care how heavy it is or really what it is that you are doing. He just wants to get in and take care of whatever needs to be done. I tend to get frustrated because I don't want to see him get hurt but he is focused on one thing and one thing only and that is to help get the job done no matter what it may be. Even though I am sure that he is going to get under my skin a lot more through the years I can't wait to see what he is going to be like as he grows up.