Barrista

/bəˈristi; It. bɑristi/ Show SpelledNoun:

a person who is specially trained in the making and serving of coffee drinks, as in a coffee bar.

Yep, I'm training for my new job!! Abba is so faithful!! I applied on January 3, 2011. Folklore Coffee Company called last Wednesday, I interviewed Thursday, and i started today. (after a quick, little trip to Findlay, Ohio for a four-day weekend.) The training is intense (I never knew there was so much to learn about...coffee!), there's a science to everything, but it's good. It will keep me busy and not bored! And there's free coffee! :) I'm quite a bit overwhelmed because there is so much to process, but I'm sure I'll catch on quickly! So I've completed my first day of training, I train two more days and then I start on Saturday! So, here i go! I'm so thankful for the job! AND...when i didn't hear back from folklore, I lined up another job with a friend to help her with her cleaning business, so now I'm juggling two jobs...and still running...oh and friends...and family...and...yah, I'm overwhelmed. but just one day at a time!

And i have to get to bed for tonight, but I'm excited to post soon (haha, if i have time sometime!) about what Abba has been doing in my heart!

My Dear Ava,

You have been long waited for and your arrival has been much anticipated. I have no doubt, though, that the timing was perfect. From the moment that you entered this world and took your first breath of air, until you have lived a long full life and take your last, promise me that you will never doubt who you have been called forth and created to be.
You have been chosen as a light, just remember that it doesn't take a blinding light to start a fire going, rather it takes only a small persistent flame that refuses to give up or blow out to set it all ablaze. No matter what wind or rain comes, walk in your Abba God's light and let your little, but steady, flame burn.
I know, even now, that your life will not be without hardship; honestly no life is. but keep your head up, precious one, for you are so much more than any lie you might have to face. The joy of life lived to it's fullest certainly outweighs the times when you fight the lies. It may seem, at one point, unfair that your parents gave you up, but remember that God redeems; He knows what he is doing. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. And he has placed the love of true parents in the heart of your forever family. The, too, will be with you; they are not going to leave you as your walk on the path of life. I've seen they're love for you before they even knew your face, they loved you so deeply, Ava Mei, like only parents and family can do. And they love you still. If you ever wonder why someone in your life would chose to walk away, know that they are the ones missing out, because you, Ava, are so special.
Even before I have met you, or held you, or heard you laugh, I can feel a calling, distinct on your life. It is not for me to know what all that calling is, but there is a calling there. Perhaps I am wrong, but i sense a sweet, loving, caring, laid back, joyful, happy, deep, sensitive, thoughtful personality in you. Don't be afraid, though, as you get older, to step out of your little life, and let that flame flicker brightly. I can assure you of this: You are called, you have a destiny. You're very life is proof of that fact. Abba God placed his hand on you and cleared the path for you to come into the world, just as he is clearing the path for you're life.

You are a light. Shine beautifully, Beautiful Ava!
Love, Lissie

"When one door closes, another door opens..."

Or in my case, 'when one journal ends, another one begins.'

It's a strangely sad feeling, but happy too! It's just that i've poured my heart onto those pages, vented on those pages, processed on those pages, cried on those pages (or tried too), took sermon notes on those pages, and just had that little journal with me as I did life. And it became a strange attachment and security. Cuz it's mine, it holds little pieces of me. But the happy things is, now i get to start a new journal, and fill it with more of my heart.

I'm not really sure what else to say, other than this. My Abba is a good god. My Abba is a faithful god. My abba keeps his promises. My Abba will complete the work he began. My Abba is coming for my heart. My Abba will make my heart whole. My Abba will always be. My Abba will always love me. My Abba is so good to me.

Growing Pains

Bittersweet describes chocolate, but it also describes growing up pretty well. I mean, there is so much that I'm enjoying and so much I'm looking forward to, in life. But there is a huge part of me that sometimes deeply desires and longs for the care-free, oblivious, wonderful childhood that I knew. And I am well aware of the fact that I had an unusually sweet growing up, but that only makes leaving it harder.

Sometimes, I feel so ready to conquer the world; so ready to begin my, the life that God has called me to, but at other times I feel so small, so little, so insignificant. and then there are times of just feeling plain overwhelmed. So growing up consists of alot more than just some leg pain, it's my life changing, and Abba is teaching me to bend to His will and His plans for me. (but that doesn't always change the fact that I can't see where this is going.)

I'm amazed at the speed at which the human heart can switch emotions though. It's truly amazing ;)

I've been reading Psalms and Proverbs before bed, and I am truly enjoying it. I feel like it doesn't matter how many times I read Psalms, they always speak to me in different ways. My thoughts are with my dear friend, Emily, who is following the call God has placed on her life, and is in her 2nd to final stage of a 6 month DTS. I miss her alot! but I am so very, very proud to have her inspire me! Know where she's been and come from, and knowing the amazing plans God has for her life, makes it bearable to be separated from her for this long.

And my heart is learning to wait. Restlessly, sometimes, but it's learning. I suppose it doesn't have much of a choice, for Abba is teaching me this lesson of actively waiting, but it doesn't mean that my heart catches on right away....:P

So for now, there hasn't been too much to write about, just the little things in my life that are shaping me and transforming me into someone, into something, that is beautiful. Something that is complete. Something that is exactly what Abba wants it to be! And I will hold on to that hope!

butterflies and things

as a little girl, I always thought butterflies were beautiful, but not something completely awe-inspiring, or captivating. they held a place in life and I remember the joy of watching one flutter by. But recently they have taken on a new meaning to me. Something deeper; more revealing. They reflect a part of my heart that has started to identify with their short lives, and their beautiful flight and their blossoming and blooming process. They have become a symbol of...me. let me explain a little more and tell you a couple things that have really confirmed and encouraged me :)

The very first time that I was compared to a butterfly was by my daddy. Which, by itself, is special to me. But even more so because the time in which it was said was a very intense time. And daddy used it to encourage me that, even though I couldn't see it, he was watching me break out of my cocoon, and become a beautiful butterfly. The person I was created to be. And that I was almost there, that my wings weren't fully out, that you couldn't see the full beauty yet, but it was soon. it was coming. and it was beautiful. And that really stood out to me.

The more I journey into me, and who i am created to be; called to be; chosen to be; destined to be; the more i feel a connection to the life and beauty of the butterfly. The challenge of being nothing, the hardship of being wrapped up and hoping for something more, the pain and fight to breakout, but the joy and beauty and freedom of the first flight.and that first glance in a pond to see the wonderful creation they are. they have come to symbolize where i am, where I've been and where I'm going. And they remind me that this isn't gonna last forever, I'm not always gonna be fight and wait, not knowing if I'm beautiful, or if i can fly, or what the world looks like, it's gonna pass, and when it does, it's gonna be a beautiful thing. It's gonna be beyond words. And i hold onto that hope. Onto that promise.

It was confirmed for me at Christmastime. one of my dear friends gave me a journal all over the cover are butterflies, flying in freedom. and the only word on the cover is this..."Treasured." how very special to me! And then this week, I have been working on Save the Date reminders for my 18th birthday/graduation party and there was a design that i ended up choosing, and on it it has a butterfly kind of blossoming out of flowers! and i just really think that it fits perfectly. I put two different quotes on it, but since everyone reading this (at least everyone subscribed) will get an invite, you'll have to wait and see ;)

So as i wait, i'm remaining. I'm chosing the hard way out. of living and not dying. of letting the battle strengthen me and not destroy me.

While I have time...:)

Oh my! I was gonna write back sometime 2 weeks ago, and then didn't. And then i was gonna post last week, but didn't. So now, while i have time, I'll post a little something starting with this...

Simeon was my name exchange. I really don't know what all to say except this: as the youngest of five children, he has his own battles to come thru, some of which are a result of his (less than) perfect siblings, but some of which are just sin nature. My littlest brother and I share a strange likeness of personality. Simeon and I are the two who are most outgoing, stubborn, strong-willed and outspoken. When we fight, we fight verbally and emotionally. But we also understand each other in a way that none of the other family does. Often, when we have driven Mom, Dad and Abigail away because of a mood we're in, it's the other one to come and try to bring some sunshine and comfort. As we continue to grow, I'm excited to see what's in store for us. Fighting thru ourselves to get to the other...it's a fight worth fighting. (And because i know he reads this) I love you Simeon! I remember the day you were born. I remember your chubby little checks and being so proud of having another sibling! I know that many times we butt heads, but inside you hold a place that can never be destroyed. You understand me in a different way, and I've no doubt that you would be the first to bale me out of jail if i needed it (not that i would EVER do anything like that ;) ) I would do anything in my power to rescue you and help you. You are so special, never forget that! I love you.

And it's a mere 9 days until I become an adult. funny. i thought you were supposed to be grown up when you were a "grown up"! haha! I guess not! Oh 2011, welcome welcome!

If 2011 is anything like 2010, it's gonna be an amazing year!

And with that, the coffee has finished brewing and I've got places to go and people to see, so i'm gonna log off and post again...later ;)

IT's COMING!!!!

oh boy! oh boy! i just love Christmastime!! It really hasn't felt very much like Christmas, but i still love this time of year!

The final clue is this...this person holds a place in my heart that no one else every will be able to hold. I am blessed watching him/her mature into the person God has created them to be!

Yesterday...oh boy. Well, it wasn't that great. I mean the morning really was. Church, I sung Breath of Heaven...but the afternoon, it was just a really big test! and I'd like to say i passed with flying colors, but i passed by going to sleep. and letting it all go. and i feel better now. Friends and family keep me grounded! I could tell you song after song after song, of reminders to me from dear friends. Here are some lyrics:

"There are times when you feel that you can't go on.
There are times when you feel like giving in.
There are times when you feel like you can't try anymore.
There are times of trouble in believing

This test of faith will last, as long as it takes to pass.
Till you have no more doubt you'll endure
And your faith will emerge true and pure

No doubt it will all work out..." No Doubt by Petra

"the light at the end has faded away
one terror after another
somewhere in the fire
the embers of faith
will burn through tomorrow
you’re breathing

it’s worth the pain
God’s in the rain
it’s not too late to start again
it’s worth the pain
so hold on tonight

your passionate eyes try to explain
all the blindness you’re feeling
the six feet of lies exposed in His fire
resurrecting your sunrise
you’re breathing

there’s grace
when you’re at your wit’s end
begging for it
He’ll take you by the hand
there’s grace" Worth the Pain by Disciple

And there are so many other songs that people have shared, or that God has had me listen to...too many to count. But this is what's that the bottom of all of them.

There is pain. There is gonna be pain. Pain doesn't mean you're doing something wrong; in fact, you're probably doing something right. At least you haven't closed your heart. You can still feel--even if it's pain. And God is faithful. Always faithful. And I've come back to that again and again. Abba is a faithful God. There will be an end. I promise. I've been there. I am there. but it will end. it always does. Keep pressing on. Keep feeling. Keep living.

I had a really bad day last week, and was venting to God as i ran. And i came to this deep fear that I didn't think i had. A fear so deep down and hidden i wanted to disown it as soon as it surfaced. but this is what i said to God.
"Abba! you've been faithful over and over. and i know you've picked me up again and again. And i know that you've always been with me. but when is this gonna run out?? when are you gonna get sick of picking me up again and again?? When is it gonna be the last time? the time you get so fed up with me acting so selfish?"

"Oh my child. I never will get "fed up" with you. I'm never gonna leave you. I'm never gonna just let you stay on the ground. i promise you this: I am always gonna be here for you. Whatever it takes. However long it takes. I will be here."

Remain Strong my friends. :)