tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69558334300954088272024-03-13T09:57:28.617-07:00CRYSTAL LEWISCrystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-41705535610501787232014-07-29T14:46:00.003-07:002014-08-04T14:33:33.592-07:00NEW BLOG!!the <a href="http://www.crystallewis.com/blog/">Crystal Lewis Blog has MOVED!!</a>!!<br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-54336524816274521932014-07-01T13:19:00.001-07:002014-07-01T13:23:34.704-07:00the STANDard // july<br />
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as you might could imagine, in moving from southern California to northwestern Montana, there are many lessons to be learned. like, as in, countless lessons. (one, perhaps, being cutting ties with the word 'like'. or not. i mean, you can take the girl out of California.... but you can't take the California outta the girl). there are certain things about country life that don't necessarily translate, until you become immersed in country life. there are things you say you'd never do...things that, at one time, made you say, "ew!!!". until necessity proves you wrong. and slowly, lessons are learned.<br />
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one such lesson we have learned... continue to get schooled in... is found in the principle of reaping and sowing. this is a concept, a truth, that we all know; and yet until you actually plant something and watch it grow.... or not... you can't quite fully integrate into everyday life. and it IS that... something you integrate into everyday life. no matter where you live. or what you do.<br />
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when you plant a seed, there are necessary steps that must be taken in order for that seed to grow into what it's meant to become. now, i'm a complete newbie at growing things, and quite honestly, i'm not very good at it. but i still get the idea that no water and no sunshine and no pruning is gonna mean no flower or no fruit or no vegetable. this is common sense 101. hashtag gardening for dummies. if you take care of and maintain a garden, you'll get food or flowers. if you don't, you won't. you'll get weeds, which not only aren't good for anything, they destroy things.<br />
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we are currently cutting our first ever hay field! and when i say we i mean the farmer next door, because he has the equipment. and the experience. and while, after weeks of essential (and typical in June) rain and days of perfect summer sunshine, the alfalfa and grass look rich and vibrant, it's true that there are things we will do differently next time. as first-timers, we're learning that irrigation and fertilization are key to multiple cuttings. we will probably only get one cutting this year because we didn't do either of those things. two cuttings is double the hay... double the money. you reap what you sow.<br />
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in life, this idea of what you put in is what you get out, translates across the board. in ANY job, career, or creative endeavor this holds true. if you want to drop some weight and/or get healthy you have to be consistent and make good choices in order to see results. if you choose to continue making poor/unhealthy choices, well, you'll stay stuck where you are. if you want to climb the proverbial ladder of success, get a promotion or become a better anything you have to do the extra work, go the extra mile and make the extra sacrifices to get there. if you continue saying things like, 'who cares', 'i don't feel like it' , 'i'll do it later', or 'whatever'... most likely that's going to mean no growth for you. but... if you make the effort, take the chance, put in the time then you'll not only get better at whatever you're doing, but you'll grow in confidence and stamina! all good things.<br />
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in Galatians 6 Paul applies this to our hearts:<br />
"do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. <b>a man reaps what he sows. </b>the one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."<br />
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since i believe in the things of the Spirit, i believe that all of life is colored and covered by this. that whatever i do, whether singing songs about Jesus, writing words in worship, fixing dinner for my family, having a disagreement with my husband, giving my daughter advice, talking about life with my son... i get to choose in each and everyone of those instances to sow to either my flesh or the Spirit. the decisions i make reveal my motives. am i sowing seeds of self? or sacrifice? am i hung up on old ways? or allowing the Father to prune my heart? am i given over to constant comparison? or letting go of my need for man's approval?<br />
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it's not easy to maintain a garden or a field. it takes consistent effort and hard labor. but don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. you'll get stronger and the harvest is WORTH IT!<br />
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my STANDard for the month of july is:<br />
Galatians 6:7<br />
"...a man reaps what he sows..."<br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-43564485529353800632014-06-16T10:33:00.001-07:002014-06-16T10:34:18.413-07:00music monday // story behind the song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a very long time ago, when i was just a child, my mom accompanied me often. these days it's rare… a gift i'll never take for granted. here, for the story behind the song, we talk a little about the song Precious Lord. i'm terribly grateful for my precious mom. </div>
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-15492354993289295082014-06-10T14:12:00.000-07:002014-06-10T14:12:52.436-07:00cooking class // Paris editionon our recent trip to Paris, Brian and i attended a small cooking class in the kitchen of acclaimed author and chef, <a href="http://onruetatin.com/">Susan Herrmann Loomis</a>. An American living in Paris for 30 years, Susan was an absolute delight!! we had an extraordinary time, chopping, whisking, baking and tasting an array of classic french dishes prepared by.... US! in addition to the actual preparation, cooking and instruction, we enjoyed a salt tasting and a chocolate tasting! so interesting and delicious. i highly recommend this experience as it gives you a taste... literally... of authentic french food and hospitality, even though Susan is American by blood, she is oh so french at heart. visit her website for details and information on classes and her blog for recipes: <a href="http://onruetatin.com/">On Rue Tatin</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian prepared the rhubarb tarts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian's other task was to prepare the duck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i pitted the cherries and made the sauce that would accompany the duck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beautiful duck and deliciously juicy cherries</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that stove...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished duck, resting, rare</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">classic french appetizers... raw veggies, bread and butter, olive oil cookies, crisps made from the tart dough and sautéed mushrooms (which were my favorite... i ate them like potato chips!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished rhubarb tarts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished duck with cherries</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan and me</td></tr>
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-11042336941084954432014-06-02T08:25:00.001-07:002014-06-02T08:25:32.714-07:00the STANDard // june<div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PsMNWNj6PF8/U4yXYVsHmkI/AAAAAAAABjg/jgdohKZvKRQ/s640/blogger-image-273077549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PsMNWNj6PF8/U4yXYVsHmkI/AAAAAAAABjg/jgdohKZvKRQ/s640/blogger-image-273077549.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've become aware in recent weeks of my tendency toward the negative. I can easily have selective focus when it comes to my circumstances; seeing them as dark, ominous clouds...heavy with 'no, never, not you'. I think that's part of the broken world we live in; one of the enemy's favorite, and most effective, weapons is distortion. that's why those negative clouds seem so weighty. but they're really just pushy, the darkness of doubt and discouragement. they literally throw their weight around and shove their way into our subconscious like big bullies, blocking out the sun, taking up unnecessary space in our minds. and <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">all the while, grace waits. just a simple adjustment in perspective, a turning of the lens, brings the light into focus. peace holds it's ground, a strong and steady presence ready to pull us up and out of the negative pit. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">listen, I'm not at all suggesting that suffering isn't real and debilitating, it absolutely is. I'm suggesting that perhaps we easily fall into the trap of believing the enemy's lies over God's truth. </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4V22h9e60hY/U4yXNAV1KuI/AAAAAAAABjQ/ruWF1-0qX4M/s640/blogger-image--588846794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4V22h9e60hY/U4yXNAV1KuI/AAAAAAAABjQ/ruWF1-0qX4M/s640/blogger-image--588846794.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> i admit that I've often focused on the pit...and i realize THAT'S what inhibits my ability to praise. and it's praise that paves a clear way out. praising God gives us hope, it clears the clouds long enough for us to see that there is a wide, gaping opening above us. a huge and obvious exit! but when my eyes are only focused on the darkness of the pit I'm in, it's that much harder for my eyes to adjust to the light.... if i keep my eyes up, however, the light becomes my view, my focus. the darkness diminishes as i trust the light.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">what does that pit have to offer anyway? when you find yourself in a place of discouragement or despair is that where you want to stay? in the movie 'the princess bride', the 'pit of despair' is a place of torturous punishment. i, for one, don't want to stay there. it's not somewhere that breathes life and joy into our hearts and minds. it's the enemy's attempt to slow us down and trip us up. but when we are able to look up, look past our current circumstances, living our lives in gratitude, praising the Father for all he's already done, and all He's sure to do, we can gain ground, make strides upward. where that pit has nothing but darkness to offer, The Lord offers endless benefits! we see them more clearly as we choose to praise Him. not to say we'll never ever encounter another pit, but once you know the way out of one, you'll have a leg up on the rest. </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JpUmCk0W3_E/U4yXRw3KiYI/AAAAAAAABjY/_6KhBgbs4MI/s640/blogger-image-167553170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JpUmCk0W3_E/U4yXRw3KiYI/AAAAAAAABjY/_6KhBgbs4MI/s640/blogger-image-167553170.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the passage I've chosen to memorize and meditate on for this months STANDard is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Psalm 103:1-5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">'praise The Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> praise The Lord, my soul and forget not all his benefits:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> who FORGIVES all your sins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> and HEALS all your diseases</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> who REDEEMS your life from the PIT</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> and CROWNS you with love and compassion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> who SATISFIES your desires with good things</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> so that your youth is RENEWED like the eagles'</div>Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-52705427019239855012014-05-22T14:58:00.001-07:002014-05-22T14:59:25.459-07:00actual Parisian crepesmy family and I are currently residing in Paris.... ok, we are pretending to reside in Paris. while here, we decided to eat like real Parisians. and in our minds that looks like this....<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0aA1SUdh02w/U35y4KTYQVI/AAAAAAAABik/ny-u9SNzoho/s640/blogger-image--798300055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0aA1SUdh02w/U35y4KTYQVI/AAAAAAAABik/ny-u9SNzoho/s640/blogger-image--798300055.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-32pweYbtcAM/U35y6c3R97I/AAAAAAAABis/AYIfSZDjW5I/s640/blogger-image--2010561457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-32pweYbtcAM/U35y6c3R97I/AAAAAAAABis/AYIfSZDjW5I/s640/blogger-image--2010561457.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8wIs5S36Sg/U35y2ONIJ3I/AAAAAAAABic/cZ4atFVC8Vo/s640/blogger-image--1247723052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8wIs5S36Sg/U35y2ONIJ3I/AAAAAAAABic/cZ4atFVC8Vo/s640/blogger-image--1247723052.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uea1sNNZ1hQ/U35y9J3w4lI/AAAAAAAABi0/QMpbfO7oihQ/s640/blogger-image--1618580881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dt6VXoaeI64/U35yxQWj8mI/AAAAAAAABiM/fo1utM10YDk/s640/blogger-image--1240124796.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">izzi did, eventually, share with me...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">oh, and yes that is Nutella</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">au revoir!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-54188504293645873492014-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:002014-05-22T15:29:31.094-07:00music monday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L to R //back row//Tommy Larson,Ari Tidwell, Jared Rich, Caleb Clements, Russell Crain; front row// me, Andy Toy)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it's been (and continues to be) my absolute privilege to travel the world and get to join with the body of Christ in worship and song. i imagine it's a bit like what the old time itinerate preachers used to experience... only they got to go on horse back. which, to me, seems like a plus. but i digress. i've made lasting friendships from many of these trips, both at home and abroad. one such friendship began in CA at the church we attended when we lived there, </span><a href="http://costamesa.rockharbor.org/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rock Harbor</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Caleb Clements was one of the worship pastors at that time and we became friends. now, Caleb is the worship leader/pastor at </span><a href="http://www.marinerschurch.org/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariners Church</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, where i have the opportunity to sing and lead in worship a few times a year. i've learned a whole lot from Caleb as a leader and as a worshiper. i love his heart for people and i so respect and admire his heart for Jesus. it's a bit rare for someone that lives their life on a stage to be so willing to take a back seat (or spot in the back row as noted in the photo above:) ). i asked him to answer the music monday questions so we could all benefit from his experience...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">1// what part do you play within the music industry? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I lead worship in Orange County at Mariners Church</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">2// briefly describe how you got where you are; tell us your story. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I started leading worship in college to fill a need, which led to more and more opportunities. I studied business and after 6 months in sales I was given an opportunity to lead worship full time. It's now been 10 years that I've been a worship leader, 2 years at Newport Mesa Church, 7 years at Rockharbor, and now just over a year at Mariners. Not sure how long I'll do this, but being faithful with what's in front of me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">3// what advice would you give someone that wants to do what you do? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> Never say no to an opportunity to lead, especially as you're developing as a leader. Every experience shapes you, and no amount of reading or training will equip you like actual experience. Look at worship leading as a pastoral role; know theology, learn how to care for people, study leadership, know who you are musically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">4// whats your take on the future of the industry? where do you see it going? will digital
music take over the world? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> Tough to answer this briefly. I wonder if worship music will have a rude awakening in the next decade. It seems like the wave of "cool" worship, albums, lights, songs may be growing tired. I see hymns and liturgy making a comeback with a lower emphasis on the show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">5// in light of the current climate of the music business, would you advise an artist to
seek support from a label or take the more independent, do-it-yourself route of social
media outlets ie; kickstarter? or what would you say are the pros and cons of each? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I can only speak to the worship industry. I would stay independent and write for your church. If God wants to highlight you or your songs beyond that He will. Worship leaders need to focus more on the congregation they have and not chase the CCLI charts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">6// what advice would you give an aspiring song writer as far as how to go about
pitching a song to an artist? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> My only advice would be to do this through relationship. Get to know people you look up to and the opportunity will present itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">7// what is the best way for an aspiring artist to get their foot-in-the-door? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> See the answer to #5 :) I feel pretty strongly about leaving that bit up to God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">8// what is the Christian industry looking for as far as future talent? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> No idea.</span></div></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">9// itunes or physical product you can hold in your hand?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Both</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">10// what artist(s)/music are you listening to and/or inspired by right now? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Here are my most recent Spotify playlists: Emmylou Harris, Everest, Beach House, One Direction (for my daughter), Haim, Ellie Goulding (guilty pleasure), Kye Kye, Shawn Colvin</span></div>
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Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-10098170791048772702014-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:002014-05-18T11:29:08.163-07:00sunday supper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">'They broke bread</span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-align: start; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26996C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts'</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Acts 2:46</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have you ever been a part of a small group where the conversation was loud and lively, the energy light and the company enjoyable? and then... you sat down on couches and chairs in the living area and the banter changed from easy to awkward? the mood shifted from silly to serious. time to get down to the business of question asking... or far more frightening... question answering. it got quiet. and, just, weird. well, i have been there. and one thing i've noticed over the years is that those easy, light moments, more often that not, took place around the table. there's something about gathering together, partaking of good food and great wine, that draws our hearts into deeper camaraderie and connection. there is an ease of conversation... yes, even while shoveling big bites of food from a fork into your mouth... that exists at the table. and i think that ease helps pave the way to a freedom, a familiarity, that makes the questions more authentic and the answers more honest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we have loved creating, or rather really just facilitating and allowing, those moments to happen at our table over the years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i wish we had thought to capture them all on film ages ago. all those dinners, all those moments, each precious evening full of (massive amounts of) laughter and even some tears. alas, 10+ years ago social media hadn't hit the scene quite yet. no instagram. no blogs. but... better late than never! this feature, <b>Sunday Supper</b>, is an attempt to capture as many of those gatherings as we can from here on out. in addition, i plan to share my tips for throwing last minute gatherings, both large and small. i've learned some pretty helpful tricks along the way... some from older, wiser friends, and some just from experience (hard learned lessons mostly of the i'll-do-THAT-differently-next-time variety). each will be a little different from the next, although, as you'll see, similarities will abound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you will come to know my husband, Brian Ray, as Chef. the one in the whites. the rest of us (literally who ever happens to be walking through the kitchen when Chef needs something RIGHT THEN) are the sous-chefs. we shop, chop, stir, and taste. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do pretty much everything else. not meant to be a brag, just the harsh reality of motherhood...AMIRITE!!! i set the table, vacuum the floor and clean up after. and again...whoever happens to be here ends up getting put to work. you've been forewarned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">let's get cooking </span></div>
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BBQ Ribs // roasted sweet and russet potatoes // tomatoes // rosemary </div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">//BBQ sauce//</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;"></span><span style="text-align: start;">1/4 cup extra Virgin olive oil</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2 medium Bermuda onions , chopped</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">4 cloves garlic, diced</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2-3 red jalapeños. Finely chopped with seeds</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">3 carrots peeled and diced</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">28oz can San Marino tomatoes (diced)</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">1/2 cup water</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2 tablespoons chili powder</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2 tablespoons paprika</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2/3 cup Dijon mustard</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">3/4 cup cider vinegar</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">1/4 cup dark brown sugar</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">3 tablespoons honey</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</span><br style="text-align: start;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;"></span><span style="text-align: start;">Put olive oil in medium heavy bottom pot. Heat on medium/ low. Add onions and carrots and jalapeños and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic for 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and in small batches purée in blender and place back in cleaned pot. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes until sauce thickens. Taste every 10 minutes and adjust salt and spice as needed </span></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; text-align: start; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;">//Ribs//</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;">2 large pork slabs of ribs (not baby back)</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2 teaspoons paprika</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">1 teaspoon fennel seeds (pestle and mortar) </span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">1 teaspoon cumin </span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">1 ground cinnamon </span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2 chili powder</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">3 tablespoons sea salt</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">2 tablespoons ground black pepper</span><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">1/4 cup spicy brown mustard</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;">Mix all dry ingredients together in bowl and rub on all sides of the ribs. Let sit in fridge for 1 hr. Apply mustard to ribs and wrap in foil. Put in 300 degree oven for 3hrs. Should be falling off the bone at that point. Take foil off and add Bbq sauce liberally on ribs and place under broiler for 3 minutes on each side.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;">//potatoes//</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;"> wash and cut into quarters any </span></span><span style="text-align: start; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">combination of potatoes you desire.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. bake for 2 hours (or until done) in a shallow baking dish along with the ribs. keep in mind that sweet potatoes cook faster than russets.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">load it all up on a platter with some fresh tomatoes and sprigs of rosemary and serve</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><br></div>
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roasted pears // vanilla bean ice cream</div>
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this is one of my favorite desserts. it is equally delicious with peaches! i've tried several different variations, but for this i tried Martha Stewarts vanilla syrup version. hers called for figs, but i opted out since they weren't available (read: limited resources in Montana). you can find her recipe here: </div>
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<a href="http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Baked-Vanilla-Pears-with-Figs-Martha-Stewart-193326"><b>Martha Stewart Baked Pears</b></a></div>
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and then of course we added Madagascar Vanilla ice cream, from our favorite place in town </div>
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<a href="http://www.sweetpeaksicecream.com/"><b>Sweet Peaks</b></a>, a local purveyor here in Whitefish. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> // coffee //</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> if you follow me on any social media outlet, you already know that my family and i are coffeeholics. even my dad is obsessed. he has HIS barista's in town (both here in Whitefish as well as </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">back in Yakima). he frequents local coffee establishments based on who's working. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">seriously. but his favorite barista is</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.izziray.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Izzi</b></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. and as we serve all kinds of various brands of beans at our house... (from</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.handsomecoffee.com/">Handsome Coffee Roasters</a></b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.gimmecoffee.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Gimme Coffee</b></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.heartroasters.com/">Heart</a></b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">) ... there is always serious shot-pulling going on. which, of course, makes my dad happy. </span></div>
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*all recipes are created by Brian Ray unless otherwise noted<br>
*photos by Bethanne Ray<br>
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<br>Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-30684785336327559892014-05-12T09:46:00.000-07:002014-05-12T09:46:38.298-07:00music monday // story behind the song<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Cks1hz_6nW4?list=UUN8hF6H_85s0I17pg3yEYfQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-2732623236542594162014-05-05T14:54:00.000-07:002014-05-05T14:55:27.267-07:00...feet in a circle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i snuck this photo last night during a family prayer time at the end of the evening. yes, i know, it's very irreverent and disrespectful to be fidgeting with my phone when i'm supposed to have my eyes closed and all... but i couldn't help but capture this holy moment. oh i wish you could've been there!! </div>
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a little background info: i grew up in southern California. my parents moved away to Detroit, Michigan area in 1989. i was 19 and engaged and they up and moved! hashtag MINISTRY. but i digress. i remained in CA until 8 years ago when my family and i (husband + 2 kids) pulled up our own roots and high-tailed it to Montana. fast forward nearly 8 years and low and behold here come my folks to Montana! they have been here for a few months filling in at a little church here in Whitefish while the church looks for a new, permanent pastor. soon, within the next couple of months, my parents will once again make there way down to southern California. and i'll once again wave goodbye.</div>
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this season has provided me the opportunity of living near my mom and dad for the very first time since i've been married. so you can bet that the last few months, when i've been home, i've taken advantage of 'dropping by', grabbing coffee, church, meals and walks. we have somewhat consistently implemented sunday night family dinners, or, 'Sunday Supper'. in addition to delicious food, our times together have included the occasional movie, lots of conversation, home movies, games and of course, the piano! in many ways these evenings together are throwbacks to my childhood, from our time as a young family. in other ways they are reminders of when my own little family was all together... now one is married and we have an incredible addition to our Sunday Suppers! </div>
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the common denominator to it all... the memories and the present... is praying together. i snapped the above picture because it is such a perfect capture of our time together. yes we have fun. yes we love each other. but we also pray with and for each other. my dad actually spoke a bit on this yesterday. </div>
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in Colossians 1:9-14, Paul says... "we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that:</div>
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<li>you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding</li>
<li>so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord</li>
<li>fully pleasing to Him</li>
<li>bearing fruit in every good work</li>
<li>increasing in the knowledge of God</li>
<li>you may be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might</li>
<li>for endurance</li>
<li>patience with joy</li>
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giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." </div>
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so, believing that last part... that we are </div>
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<b><u>qualified</u></b></div>
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<b><u>delivered</u></b></div>
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<b><u>transferred</u></b></div>
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<b><u>redeemed</u></b></div>
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<b><u>forgiven </u></b> </div>
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gives us the authority and freedom to pray the first part for EACH OTHER!! i don't know about you, but I NEED MORE of every single one of those things. wisdom, understanding, fruit, knowledge, strength, endurance, patience and joy. we are forever cultivating, pruning, weeding and growing in this life. and as we pray for each other, with each other, that growth is guaranteed.</div>
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i'm so beyond-words-grateful that my parents pray for me. and i'm not the only one they pray for. they are diligent pray-ers. my dad lives this stuff. the words he preaches represent the life he leads. he's by no means perfect, and he'll be the one to tell you as much. but the words he preached this weekend rang true in my ears because of nights like last night. our feet in a circle, our hands holding each others hands... except when i was taking that picture... our heads bowed and hearts knit together.</div>
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pray for each other. pray together. believe... and pray. </div>
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-8126555971606737472014-05-01T12:25:00.001-07:002014-05-01T14:30:27.595-07:00the STANDard :: may<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i'm a reader. i admit i've gone through seasons of my life where i sort of abandoned it.... or more accurately just let it slide down the priority list a ways. but it's always there. that desire, that need to read. and i'll read anything... magazines. (i'm not an only-interested-in-the-pictures person. although i do LOVE the pictures) articles. newspapers. blogs. books. words heal and help and inspire and convict and move...<br />
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the upside to the technologically advanced world we live in today is that we have incredibly easy access to all of the things to read. the downside is that easy access means i'm easily distracted. i can get myself into a whole lot of trouble with the misuse of my time when i take detour after detour, down, down the rabbit hole of the web. <br />
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again, the upside of getting lost in the internet maze is that there are beautiful things to be found. i've come across authors and articles that have been just what i needed in a particular moment. the downside... in addition to the obvious mis-management of my time... is the tendency my mind has to begin to wander to places of insecurity and discouragement.<br />
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i can easily wind up feeling inadequate as i look at all of the beautiful pictures and see what (it seems) like everyone else is doing and thinking. i find myself caught up in comparing my thoughts to theirs. my style to theirs. my accomplishments to theirs. and i imagine, like Alice, this confusing wonder at how on earth i wound up here. this is not right.<br />
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i recently read through the book of John. again. (this time it was along with <a href="http://www.ifequip.com/">if::equip</a>, a community of women determined to live lives anchored in the Word) i've read through the Bible in a year. i've read through the Bible in 90 days. i've attempted various reading plans over the years... some successfully and some, well, not so. this reading of John was just what i needed.<br />
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there is immeasurable depth and truth, what with Jesus actual Words being spoken. (understatement) and it's impossible to relay the extent of all that the Holy Spirit spoke to every part of me. but there is one thing that i came away with that i absolutely want to mediate on for this month... words i felt were spoken directly to me.<br />
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in chapter 21, Jesus has a conversation with Peter that holds immense meaning. it vaguely refers to Peter's past (denying Jesus 3 times), and tells something of Peter's future (when you are old you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go). it's weighty and confrontational and beautiful. and Peter's response is:<br />
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"what about him?" referring to John.<br />
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Peter and John had a thing. a competitive friendship it seems to me. they raced to the tomb. John mentions his beating Peter there THREE TIMES!! i can only assume that as regular humans, a sense of comparison or competition existed among the disciples at least occasionally. clearly, because now here is Peter saying.... "ok, ok. you have a plan for ME, Jesus. great! but, um, what about him?" sneaking a peek behind them at John. <br />
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and Jesus responds: "if i want him to remain alive until i return... what is that to you? YOU must follow me."<br />
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point being, Jesus words to Peter are the same to YOU and to ME. <br />
"do you love me? follow me."<br />
"this isn't about him. this is about you"<br />
stop with all the 'yeah, but she...' and 'why does he....' and 'when do i...'<br />
enough. follow me from here, now, with what i've already given. quit worrying about all the other stuff that has nothing to do with you. <br />
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do we believe God's Word or not?<br />
do we believe He has a plan that has our best interest and His perfect purpose in mind? or not?<br />
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John 21:21,22<br />
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"...Lord, what about him? Jesus answered if i want him to remain alive until i return, what is that to you? YOU must follow me."<br />
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i pray that as we, as a global community of believers, set our hearts and our minds on things above and hide the Word of truth in our hearts, that we would be willing, available, moldable vessels God can fill and use.<br />
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in His name<br />
by his strength<br />
for His glory<br />
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if you'd like to join me on this journey of memorizing truth, you can order your own set of <a href="http://crystallewis.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-standard-january-2014.html">STANDard cards</a> by sending 10$ via paypal to: official crystal@gmail.com<br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-81552041606940108502014-04-10T17:16:00.004-07:002014-04-10T17:20:47.701-07:00upcoming appearances<b><span style="font-size: large;">next week Izzi and I have the pleasure and honor of sharing the platform with a whole bunch of awesome people! </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>we are hitting north, middle and south OC! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>we hope you can join us at least one event...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>o n e . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>when: Thursday, April 17 // 7pm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>what: <a href="http://www.aneastertogetheroc.com/">An Easter Together</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Irvine CA</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>who: Crystal Lewis, Izzi Ray, Tim Timmons, Anthony Evans, Molly Jenson, Pawnshop Kings, Jadon Lavik, Dominic Balli, Gary Rea, Tully Wilkinson, Drew Bray, Aaron Blanton, Mike Erre, Buddy Owens</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">*An Easter Together is a two-night engagement. the first night is at Verizon, the second is in Redlands at the Packinghouse church. Izzi and i will only be at Verizon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>t w o . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>when: Friday, April 18th // 7pm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>what: <a href="http://www.ccsjc.com/">ALIVE // </a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.ccsjc.com/">Calvary Chapel San Juan Capistrano</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>where: J. Serra Highschool, San Juan Capistrano</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>who: music by <a href="http://www.izziray.com/">Izzi Ray</a> and I, message by pastor John Randall</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>t h r e e . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>when: Sunday, April 20 </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>6:30am sunrise service, 9am, 11:30am</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>what: EASTER! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>where: <a href="https://www.ccmtb.com/">Calvary Chapel Montebello</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>who: music by Crystal Lewis, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Lizotte/53412933169">Chris Lizotte</a>, <a href="http://www.izziray.com/">Izzi Ray</a> and Robbie Nero; message by pastor Pancho Juarez</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>f o u r . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>when: Saturday, April 26 // all day</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>what:<a href="http://www.calvarychapelcovina.com/"> Calvary Chapel Cornerstone 2014</a> Spring Women's Retreat</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>where: Murrieta Hot Springs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>who: music by Crystal Lewis and<a href="http://www.izziray.com/"> Izzi Ray</a>, Saturday night message by Crystal Lewis</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>f i v e . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>when: Sunday, April 27 // 10am</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>what: <a href="http://www.horizon.org/horizon-news">Horizon Christian Fellowship post-Easter celebration</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>where: Horizon Christian Fellowship // out on the lawn!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>who: Crystal Lewis</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>f i v e . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>when: Sunday, April 27 // 10am</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>what: <a href="http://citizenschurch.org/">CitizensChurch</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>where: the Fox Event Center, Redlands, CA</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>who: <a href="http://www.izziray.com/">Izzi Ray</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-10151699717777920332014-04-08T15:40:00.000-07:002014-04-09T12:39:18.763-07:00silver<br />
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25 years ago today i got married. we, got married. to each other. i was 19. my husband, Brian, was 25. and even though we knew we'd be together forever, this massive, miraculous milestone, our SILVER wedding anniversary, still comes as a sort of surprise. i will be crying my way through our wedding video this evening. to relive those moments of commitment and promise and hear our own voices reiterate the vows will be a beautiful reminder of the passion and depth of young love. <br />
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and it's good because now we kind of have not-so-young love. it's not old love, yet, but a stronger, wiser, better love. because it's been tarnished. and roughed up. those vows we said 25 years ago today, those have been tested. there have been days when we've pushed and shoved each other up against their walls. and they've held. they've proven to be strong. not because the vows themselves were so tough but because the promises we made were uttered before God... and though we couldn't have known what 5, 10, 15 years worth of life and love would bring... we meant them. we meant them no matter what. and the gravity of God's grace has maintained it's pull on us, even on days when there seems to be so much tension it feels like the last little sliver of heart string might snap. here we are. happily.<br />
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we are having a family dinner celebration tonight. my daughter and her boyfriend are cooking all the food (and presumably doing all the dishes) but i couldn't help get my hands in the mix and at least set the table. i'm bringing out the china. THE china! i love our china! we received it for our wedding and so, obviously it has extreme significance this evening... on multiple levels. one being that it's SILVER! as it's our SILVER anniversary, it's only perfectly apropos. in addition to our SILVER-trimmed wedding china, i set out our heirloom set of Tiffany's silver. SILVER. and life stared me in the face. look at the beautiful shine in the forks and knives:<br />
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and then... look at those sad spoons. all tarnished and discolored. i clearly dropped the ball in the maintenance department on those. i mean, i suppose you could say they've got a nice patina. a lovely worn-in look. but i think that's typically just an excuse for careless indifference. the life lesson is glaring. things get tarnished when left uncared for. this extends to homes, clothing, cars, pets and most importantly people. relationships. we can't let them go, we can't ignore the care they require. putting off maintenance is the first step in eventual demise. with anything. it's always far more difficult to repair something that's been neglected than to just take great care of it from the beginning. maintenance and care take time, effort, elbow grease, money, attention, putting your self aside and commitment. </div>
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the obvious difference between maintaining things and relationships is that relationships involve human interaction. it requires 2 people working toward the same goal. 2 people caring, investing, trying, forgiving, letting go, holding on. our hands have been weary and weak, but we hold on. and the longer we hold on the stronger we get. i pray today for God's grace to hold YOU. for His mercy to strengthen your resolve. for His love to infuse your heart and help you to hold on too.</div>
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*photos: <a href="http://mariannewiest.com/">Marianne Wiest Photography</a></div>
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-29666714359067403762014-04-01T11:06:00.000-07:002014-04-01T11:06:01.818-07:00the STANDard // aprili'm not a huge fan of rushing. i feel as though i've spent the majority of my life in a state of hurry. from being late for school to running late for church to waiting till the last minute on homework or racing out the door to catch a flight i've done a lot of rushing over the years. i do a lot of it, and yet i continue my non-fan status. however....<br />
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i recently reread this passage in Romans 13:11-14 that says... in essence... be in a hurry. and i realized: i've been rushing about for the wrong reasons. i've been hurrying to pointless appointments. i've been striving and sweating over things that won't matter a year from now. a week from now... if ever! don't misunderstand me, i'm not saying that getting things done doesn't matter or we shouldn't try to be on time or finish projects in a timely manner. being a good steward of our days and our time is right and important for establishing the foundation of good habits, for cultivating a sense of honor and respect (of other's time and efforts) and developing the groundwork for goal-reaching. yes to all of that. what i am saying is that we need a shift to occur in our thinking... a dramatic corner-turning needs to take place in the way we determine our priorities. we need to take a hard right as we consider what is worth rushing around about. an eternal perspective needs to pervade our planning. <br />
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today, April 1, is the anniversary of the home-going of one of my best friends daughters. Yvette was just shy of her 11th birthday when she flew home to Heaven. that was 14 years ago. she has been in the presence of God the Father, experiencing fullness of joy and actual peace for 14 years. i imagine her cheering me on from the sidelines as i run this race toward home. oh to know what she knows! that this life is temporary. that our time here is brief, but that our time here counts. i wonder how she must long for us to realize the weight of our words, the bearing of our actions, the eternal significance of our minutes... and how we spend them. <br />
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we don't have as much time as we think. i'm not trying to be miss doom and gloom, just the voice of reason and reality. even if we live to be 100, the Bible says our lives are but a breath. and since we don't know at what age we get to go home, it's imperative that we use what time we do have wisely. love your neighbors, so when you're gone they'll have seen Jesus. be a light to your co-workers, so when they are sitting at your funeral they get it. lay down your selfish desires for your husband or your wife, so that your heart is free in the knowledge that you've been obedient to God. leave that lifestyle of sex on the side, binge drinking, gossip, and meanness, (the Bible calls it all sin; Romans 13:13) and live like others are watching. because they are. wear the name of Jesus with integrity and purpose. wake up. hurry up. other peoples lives depend on it.<br />
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i've chosen Romans 13:12 to memorize this month as my STANDard verse, but i will be mediating on the whole passage, from verse 11 to verse 14. it's serious. and as Easter approaches, i want to take eternity seriously. i want to live in light of the fact that Jesus died so i could live a life of peace and freedom here on Earth, but also so we can live forever with Him in Heaven.<br />
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"...the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. <b>the night is nearly over; the day is almost here. so let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. </b>let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. rather, clothe yourselves with the LORD Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.<br />
Romans 13:11-14<br />
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*STANDard cards are still available for purchase! they come in sets of 12, one for each month of the year, consisting of 9 different unique designs created by local artists here in Montana. you can use them to write down a verse you'd like to memorize each month. feel free to join me in the verse i've chosen, or choose one that God has laid on your heart. simply send 10$ via PayPal to: officialcrystal@gmail.com (includes shipping)<br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-47708283881693592182014-03-31T18:09:00.002-07:002014-03-31T19:11:20.948-07:00music monday<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okJRbzBK5YM/Uzofam2FSHI/AAAAAAAABdc/_xqhAnSiLE8/s1600/holiday1_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okJRbzBK5YM/Uzofam2FSHI/AAAAAAAABdc/_xqhAnSiLE8/s1600/holiday1_lg.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">// recording the Holiday album 2000 //</td></tr>
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in the last week alone i've received emails/calls from 2 singer-friends asking for advice regarding sore throats, vocal fatigue and a lost voice. so, while i'm not an educated instructor or certified coach, i do have 30+ years of experience, and i have lost my voice a time or two. i thought i'd share a little bit about what i've learned on the subject.<br />
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Q: what do i do if i lose my voice?<br />
A: if you lose your voice the very best thing you can do is<br />
*STOP TALKING. and, i assume it's obvious, but also STOP SINGING. i suppose it stands to reason that if you've lost your voice, you CANT talk or sing, however i've been appalled by the number of people that love the sound of their own raspy, hoarse voice, and they'll continue to attempt to use it. you will only worsen your situation by using your vocal chords when they are run-down. they are in need of rest. note: nearly ALL restaurants are WAY louder than you think. which means you most often talk way louder than you think. which puts unnecessary strain on your vocal chords. the same is true with singing along with music in the car (either turn it down or stop singing along) or a party at someones house. anywhere there are multiple voices being used at the same time, you are, without a doubt, talking several decibels louder than you need to be. be careful. <br />
another effective technique that helps a lost voice/sore throat enormously is<br />
*STEAM. if you have access to a steam room or steam shower either at home or a local gym, use it.<br />
it helps with congestion, sore throat and relaxation. i recently purchased a small, personal steam inhaler <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZWQJZI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p121_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1HR99EPN1RAYEAKR46PV&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846">(similar to this)</a> for both my daughter and myself. i've had one for many years and finally had to buy a replacement. they are small enough to travel with and come in handy for any singer/speaker.<br />
*HOT WATER W/ HONEY is something you can find just about anywhere and it will soothe your pain and relax you. i avoid tea, coffee, milk and even excessive amounts of lemon when dealing with vocal issues. keep it plain and simple.<br />
*WATER drink more water than you think you can! find a nice big water bottle and just keep drinking and refilling. all day. every day.<br />
*SLEEP get as much rest as your schedule will allow. go to bed earlier than normal (although if you're like me that is still late) if you can, and do whatever it takes to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. consider using a humidifier to enhance the moisture level of the room. keep the heat down, and if possible the door open, to help with circulation. excessive heat usually means excessive dryness, which is not ideal for your voice. i've found that if my heater is too high i wake up with a scratchy voice. many a show has been cancelled or postponed due to unstable air conditions on tour buses. <br />
*TIME. there is no quick-fix. as with any injury, time will heal it. yes these kinds of things throw major wrenches in the wheels of our plans... i've had to cancel shows and postpone projects due to vocal fatigue and sickness. but God knows your deadline and your time frame. <br />
HE gave you that voice of yours. be patient. don't rush it.<br />
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this is by no means a comprehensive list of treatments, however it should help you if you're hurting. also... everything listed above is perfectly applicable to preventing the loss of your voice. often, there is nothing we can do to stop it, especially when dealing with a cold or virus. sometimes our bodies just shut things down to fight sickness off. that is a clear sign that you need rest and quiet. but you can prevent hoarseness or soreness often just with some good vocal hygiene and positive habits.<br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-27445861469787543002014-03-29T13:56:00.001-07:002014-03-29T14:02:16.349-07:00eighteen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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as i look through family photos spanning these 18 years since our daughter was born, i feel a bit like i'm in a dream. it's surreal to remember life with newborns, toddlers and toothless first graders. some of the memories are fuzzy while others are so vivid, it seems like they just happened yesterday. and i think as parents, brian and i are simultaneously feeling really pretty great about the future... and utterly, overwhelmingly, unprepared for it. how on earth did we get here so fast? when did life get away from us? where did all the time go? what if we forgot to tell her something vitally important!?<br />
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i think i may spend the next several months processing this! nothing really prepares you for any real life situation as does actually living through said situation. so here we are... with one kid off and married and the second (the proverbial baby) on the precipice...wings spread...<br />
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and they are beautiful, beautiful wings. the very last thing i ever want to do is clip them. i'd be proud and excited and supportive of ANYTHING my kids felt deeply passionate about and desired to pursue... but i think it goes without saying that as each of our offspring have chosen music related ministry as their life's work, well, i'm sure you can imagine how i feel about that.<br />
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izzi has grown so much in such a short amount of time... as a young woman, a leader, a vocalist, a guitar player, a musician. a pastor-friend of mine recently told me that "as parents our ceiling is our kid's floor". in essence, they start where we leave off. we pray that our opportunities and lessons will serve to pave the way for our kids. we hope that they will learn from our mistakes, and not make the same ones. izzi is already so far ahead of where i was at her age... i know God has exponentially more to do in her and accomplish through her. my job is to pray for her continued obedience and surrender.<br />
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it's an absolute joy to watch her unfurl her wings, getting a feel for them... watching as her wingspan extends and fans out. i'm thrilled to get to fly next to her for a while as we explore LEGACY and go on the adventure of ministry to women together. and then.... when the time comes for her to fly on ahead, faster and higher.... it will be my thrill to watch from the heights. <br />
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"...those who hope in the LORD</div>
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will renew their strength.</div>
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they will soar on wings like eagles; </div>
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they will run and not grow weary,</div>
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they will walk and not be faint."</div>
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Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-46324754839238514602014-03-29T13:20:00.001-07:002014-03-29T13:20:28.714-07:00daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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for all the laughing and clowning around we do, we have also had our share of tears. i wrote the song 'daughter'...lyrics below... a few years ago at a time when Izzi was dealing with feelings of hurt and disappointment. i decided to write her a letter that she could read and re-read, a reminder of how I feel about her, a reminder of how the Bible says GOD feels about her. in many ways it wound up a letter to myself... as i became aware of my frailty and fear i also became acutely aware of God's unconditional love towards me, his daughter. so this song is for her, for my Isabella... who turns 18 today! but it's also for you and me. </div>
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daughter, if you only knew</div>
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the extent of my love for you</div>
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daughter, if you could see</div>
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just how much you mean to me</div>
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how my heart aches</div>
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o'er your sorrows and sighs</div>
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how my heart breaks</div>
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o'er your hurting and cries</div>
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how i long to comfort </div>
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you with my</div>
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truth and tenderness</div>
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I want to hold your face in my hands</div>
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remind you that I</div>
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I AM that I AM</div>
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let my love wash away</div>
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the stains of the day</div>
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don't fret or fear</div>
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I'm here</div>
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daugher</div>
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daughter, I'm aware of your pain</div>
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I'm aware of your guilt and your shame</div>
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daughter, the reason I came</div>
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was to rescue, redeem and to save</div>
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I know that you've</div>
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been alone and confused</div>
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I know that you've</div>
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been angry, abused</div>
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I know that healing can only come through</div>
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sweet surrender</div>
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I want to hold your face in my hands</div>
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remind you that I</div>
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I AM that I AM</div>
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let my love wash away</div>
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the stains of the day</div>
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don't fret or fear</div>
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I'm here</div>
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daughter</div>
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Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-63988430614875555472014-03-24T16:08:00.000-07:002014-03-24T16:08:38.917-07:00music monday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">look.... music is not one-size-fits-all. that is why so many genres exist. and we get to choose as many different genres as apply on any given day. yours and mine may overlap from time to time, or not. but that doesn't make us any less compatible as friends. music is simultaneously for the individual and for the masses. it all at once soothes our collective soul and amps up our collective agenda. it brings us down and lifts us up. weird that music can do that. bridge gaps, mend fences, knit hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in my opinion, one artist that contributes to this so beautifully is Propaganda. based in the Los Angeles, CA area, Propaganda travels the country speaking life, spreading truth, building musical bridges that cover the distance of a great divide between races, classes and musically diverse opinions. i asked him if he would answer some questions about music and the industry. and while busy wrapping up the loose ends of a new project, soon to be released, he kindly obliged. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1//<b> what part do you play within the music industry?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.58;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.58;">Hip hop/poetry artist</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.58;">2// <b>briefly describe how you got where you are; tell us your story</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: 1.58;">fell in love with hip hop pretty young. being from a gang infested town, i was eager to find better things to do with my time than gang life. i got into</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.58;"> </span><span style="line-height: 25px;">graffiti first, then breakdancing and around my freshman year of high school tried my hand at rap. through a series of countless freestyle sessions, demos, battle raps and shows where 10 people showed up... one day, it just started working. the phone rang, and never stopped ringing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3//<b> what advice would you give someone that wants to do what you do?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">make sure this is really your call. there are so many things in music that some can do... promotions, production, management, etc. if you are confident this is it, learn how [to work] and learn how to LOVE work! be a fan of the art! you should be consuming art alllll the time. last i would say, you need to liiiiiive at open mics. every time the mic is open, you should be on the list. hearing what other artists are writing and doing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4//<b> what's your take on the future of the industry? where do you see it going? will digital music take over the world?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">digital music already took over. i don't think we will be able to sell a record in the near future.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5// <b>in light of the current climate of the music business, would you advise an artist to seek support from a label or take the more independent, do-it-yourself route of social media driven outlets i.e. kickstarter? what would you say are the pros and cons of each?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i think it depends on your end goal. if you are trying to set next to Bey and Jay at the Grammys, i'd be hard pressed to say the indie route is the way to go. but if you are cool with a slow cook, then remember it's much better to owe yourself money that someone else.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6//<b> what is the best way for an aspiring artist to get their foot-in-the-door?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GRIND GRIND GRIND. if you make enough noise, people will notice (also, see answer to #3 above)</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7// <b>how does one get a demo heard by the right people?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">demos are obsolete. make an album and hit the road.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8// <b>what is the Christian industry looking for as far as future talent?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i have no clue. they never really liked me that much LOL</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9// <b>itunes or physical product you can hold in your hand?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">yes</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10// <b>what artist(s)/music are you listening to and/or inspired by right now?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">really digging Phanogram, Chvrches and Kendrick Lamar</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">check out Propaganda's music at <a href="http://humblebeast.com/">Humblebeast.com</a></span></span><br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-25607170924283828652014-03-20T16:22:00.000-07:002014-03-20T16:22:43.399-07:00freedomwho can forget the gut-wrenching, tear-inducing final cry of William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson in Braveheart):<br />
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FREEEEEEDOM!!!</div>
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one of the most iconic movie scenes of all time... in my humble opinion.</div>
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and how could we not relate that to our relationship with God? how often do we let sin get the better of us, and make stupid decisions that betray our true identities... free people.</div>
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Galatians 5:1 says...."it is for freedom that Christ has set you free"</div>
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free from the power of sin. the chains and shackles are just props. they aren't real. sin has no sting, bad behavior has no bite. the enemy pretends and pulls the wool over our eyes, leading us to believe we are victims, prisoners, captives. but it's a mirage. a trick. an illusion. we are free... because of Jesus. how sad it must make him to watch us wallow in our old ways when he paid such a high price for our freedom. but there we sit... free yet afraid to get up and walk away from the enemy. unwilling to throw off the weight of sin that slows us down and trips us up (Hebrews 12:1)</div>
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Jesus did the incomprehensible work of redemption at the cross... on the cross. for me, for you. </div>
Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-11424826200850410532014-03-07T15:15:00.000-08:002014-03-07T15:24:41.684-08:00guest post // leah eash<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">the Word of God is living and active…. and in so being we are enabled and empowered to live it out…as we read it; as we immerse ourselves in it; as we memorize it! this is what the <a href="http://crystallewis.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-standard.html">STANDard </a>is all about. drenching our hearts in the living water of the Word to such an extent that we are changed by it. and i know for me, that is something that absolutely has to take place daily. not to be gross… but you know when you (or, ahem, someone you know) hasn't bathed for a few days??? or imagine the effects of not brushing your teeth for a few weeks? or envision for a moment the mess that would be your hair after an entire month not washing it??? no. just, no. our hearts and minds are similarly affected when we exclude the Word from our lives. i hate to admit that i know this from personal experience…. not the not-bathing part!!! the getting-too-busy-to-read-my-Bible part. THAT is why i started the <a href="http://crystallewis.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-standard.html">STANDard</a>! so i would have a consistent reminder that memorizing scripture is life-saving. life-giving. life-changing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">one of my dear, sister-like friends (<a href="http://www.leaheash.com/">Leah Eash</a>) agrees and has jumped on board with the STANDard project full throttle! i have been so inspired by her extremely original designs that i wanted to share the way she incorporated her memory verses into her (very busy!!) life last year, 2013. this year, we've created the <a href="http://crystallewis.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-standard-january-2014.html">STANDard cards</a> to write our verses on (Leah is one of the featured artists that made them so beautiful!) and while i know we'll be putting them to good use in 2014, i have no doubt that she will continue to get creative with making sure her monthly verses are visible in her home! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">here Leah shares a little from her heart:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When we memorize Scripture, we are thinking about it, reading it, writing it, and speaking it. Having a whole month versus a week or two really allowed me to not only mull over the words but hear from the Lord and what He wanted me to glean from that particular passage. And I know for myself, the more you do with a verse, the easier it is to recall! I didn't want to lose sight of all I was gaining spiritually through the STANDard challenge - with my eyes or my heart... SO, I purposed to think outside the box with each verse every month and DO something with it. My desire as an artist was to put it down in some creative form because then I could still see it and have it be a part of our home. Over the course of the year, I ended up only missing 1 month, which I must say was pretty good considering I had a newborn! I was able to do a couple of the projects with my 2 year old son, and one that I did on my own became a gift for a dear friend. This process enabled me to make little changes in our décor, and pushed me to delve deeper in my spiritual walk. Growing in Christ and getting to know Him is what it is all about isn't it?! And we do this through His Word!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nLA1T11hlo/UxpLIelu_sI/AAAAAAAABZk/-F7_mMw_4pY/s1600/January.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nLA1T11hlo/UxpLIelu_sI/AAAAAAAABZk/-F7_mMw_4pY/s1600/January.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">january :: acrylic painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp0AWz_qy94/UxpLLYhz4BI/AAAAAAAABZs/DpRUidRZ240/s1600/February.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp0AWz_qy94/UxpLLYhz4BI/AAAAAAAABZs/DpRUidRZ240/s1600/February.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gs5n0Q_Jj1U/UxpLNowhSFI/AAAAAAAABZ0/kboLnuoU-vw/s1600/March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gs5n0Q_Jj1U/UxpLNowhSFI/AAAAAAAABZ0/kboLnuoU-vw/s1600/March.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oK8c3vc1OFo/UxpLSKPP1JI/AAAAAAAABaA/7-y9ou6cnuc/s1600/April.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oK8c3vc1OFo/UxpLSKPP1JI/AAAAAAAABaA/7-y9ou6cnuc/s1600/April.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5TeWtEl8qM/UxpLU1y-1hI/AAAAAAAABaE/kRPi2794ABk/s1600/May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5TeWtEl8qM/UxpLU1y-1hI/AAAAAAAABaE/kRPi2794ABk/s1600/May.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JosDKid6pw/UxpLYGepFbI/AAAAAAAABaM/y0P0KXU3uh0/s1600/June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JosDKid6pw/UxpLYGepFbI/AAAAAAAABaM/y0P0KXU3uh0/s1600/June.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc2r3_YREk4/UxpLa9D-F8I/AAAAAAAABaY/f6kvp2Cc5v8/s1600/July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc2r3_YREk4/UxpLa9D-F8I/AAAAAAAABaY/f6kvp2Cc5v8/s1600/July.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">july :: coloring sheet for Grant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">september/october :: Bible study by Elizabeth George based on my verse for the month</td></tr>
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visiti Leah's beautiful blog to see more of her work and find the DIY details of these projects.</div>
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also…. don't forget to order your set of STANDard cards! all you have to do is send 10$ via <a href="https://www.paypal.com/home">paypal </a>to officialcrystal@gmail.com and be sure to include your address as well as how many sets (12 cards in a set) you'd like.</div>
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-82084419153860765102014-03-05T16:00:00.002-08:002014-03-05T16:00:58.964-08:00legacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymy_-ojMOBk/Uxe5ZR9rHWI/AAAAAAAABZU/Y62ER-7GiF0/s1600/LEGACY+homepage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymy_-ojMOBk/Uxe5ZR9rHWI/AAAAAAAABZU/Y62ER-7GiF0/s1600/LEGACY+homepage.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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LEGACY</div>
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tradition, gift, heirloom, inheritance</div>
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how are we, as mothers, influencing our daughters so that we aren't just LEAVING them a legacy, but LIVING one out right now?</div>
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what gifts are we giving them TODAY that will enable them to leave their own legacy TOMORROW?</div>
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as daughters, how are we honoring or carrying on our own mother's legacy? or are we searching for restoration, hope and healing as we deal with the disappointment of the lack of one?</div>
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i'm going to be honest.... i don't know ALL of the answers to these questions. but i've wrestled with them. i'm looking for them. and maybe you are too. i would love to invite you to search along with me. along with US. </div>
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my daughter, <a href="http://www.izziray.com/">izzi ray</a>, will reach her 18th birthday this year (time. is. flying. by.) and she and i have been praying, seeking, thinking, planning, dreaming, writing, wondering together this past year about what God would have us do as a team. </div>
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we believe we have a window of opportunity in this moment, in this season // we believe that God has given us gifts to use to bring glory to HIS name // we believe that there are countless mothers and daughters out there that long for honest answers to tough questions // we believe that there are women desperate for reconciliation // we believe that there are mothers and daughters that just want to know they're not alone on the journey. </div>
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we need each other...</div>
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and with that in mind we are delighted to launch… LEGACY </div>
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an event where mother's and daughter's will gather to </div>
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worship + pray </div>
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listen + learn </div>
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connect + grow</div>
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part concert, part conference, it will feature Izzi and i singing and leading worship together, in addition to each of us performing songs on our own // i will speak on LEGACY and discuss different aspects of what that means to us as both mothers and daughters // there will be a time of prayer together as we seek God in our endeavor to live and leave a legacy // we will have a Q + A time with myself, Izzi and, occasionally, special guest(s)!</div>
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(details will vary depending on specific dates)</div>
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we are booking NOW for summer 2014 and beyond! we've never done, or even attempted, anything like this before… but we are filled with anticipation at what God will do with this and through this! </div>
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as we step out in faith, we know that he is calling us to rely on HIS strength as we embark on this new adventure in His name and for His glory! </div>
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visit <a href="http://www.legacy-event.com/">www.legacy-event.com</a> to contact us for more information and booking//</div>
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follow us on twitter for updates// <a href="https://twitter.com/the_LEGACYevent">@the_LEGACYevent</a></div>
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' I will sing of the mercy and loving-kindness of the LORD forever; with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness from generation to generation.' Psalm 89:1</div>
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-73665363234995308652014-03-01T05:00:00.000-08:002014-03-10T15:32:06.875-07:00the STANDard :: march<br />
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Montana is an extreme weather state. and we are currently, as in right this minute while i write this, experiencing some extreme weather... blizzard like snow, very low temperatures, and very high winds. it's called winter... ever hear of it? oh and it's the wind that freaks me out the most. the sound of it blowing through the trees and past the house keeps me up at night. it doesn't help that early in the season we had a massive tree blow over and destroy some of our neighbors farm equipment. i just can't help but envision that happening to our house! and it scares me. i can't help it because i can't escape it... i see the effects of it as trees threaten to fall over and i hear it constantly rushing into every teeny space between doors and windows, the creaking and whistling. it's all around.<br />
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in Matthew, the disciples had a run in with the wind. in chapter 14 they were out in the middle of a lake, when it kicked up. and when the scripture says that the disciples boat was 'beaten and tossed by the waves, for the wind was AGAINST them', i take that very seriously!<br />
[let me take this opportunity to mention another Montana extreme... our lakes are extremely everything! extremely deep, extremely cold, extremely beautiful. they are also, when the wind comes 'round, extremely scary. the waves that the wind stirs up are ocean like in their strength and size. boats sink and people drown every year. it's terrifying.]<br />
i'm sure you're familiar with this story, therefore you know what comes next... Jesus, came to the boat... walking on the water. wind and waves and water did not hinder him in any way. i don't believe that Jesus had to think long and hard about walking across the lake to the boat... it wasn't hard for him. nothing is too hard for him. but it scared the disciples near to death. Peter, however, being, well, Peter, got a surge of courage and in what seems like an i-believe-help-my-unbelief sort of moment, he says "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." and Jesus says..."come on". and Peter did. he walked on the water. as Jesus did. that impossible, scary thing? Peter did it too. i mean, it wasn't impossible or scary for Jesus, and he called Peter in to experience how possible it really was. and Peter did, but only for a moment. because next thing we know Peter fell right back into frailty and fear. 'but when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord! save me!!"' i find it incredibly interesting that he seems to have forgotten all about the wind and waves there for a minute. when Jesus first appears to the disciples on the water it says they were terrified. Jesus reassures them by saying "take courage, it is I. don't be afraid", but it never says he stilled the storm or stopped the wind. so when Peter got out of the boat, it stands to reason, the waves were still crashing and the wind still howling.... he just stopped seeing them. he only saw Jesus.<br />
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i want to only see Jesus. but often, i just see the wind.<br />
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sometimes i think, when i hear the Spirit speak to my heart with an idea or call me out to something i know i'm meant to accomplish, i get so excited about it at first! i think "YES!!! this is what i've been dreaming of and waiting for!!"... in the same way that Peter had that initial thrill and sense of daring to do something that seemed so crazy. and then, also like Peter, i often get my proverbial feet out of the boat only to find that insecurity and doubt have bound themselves around my ankles and i begin backtracking and hyper-ventilating and reassessing the situation.... in essence seeing the wind and inevitably i begin sinking.<br />
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it's not just actual wind blowing around my house that i'm afraid of. there is a tempest whipping past my mind, trying to tempt me to doubt. there are gusts of distractions, blasts of confusion, whirlwinds of fear all meant to stir up such a storm that i lose all hope and sink. but, Jesus. he invites me in to His normal. which, to my human eyes, is impossible. still, he commands me to come out<br />
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he doesn't necessarily stop the storm in order for me to do so. he just says...'come'. climb out of the boat in spite of the waves. walk towards me despite the wind. don't stay there with one hand on the railing. don't grab a life preserver just in case. walk out, step out, eyes up, ignore the wind.<br />
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will we lose our balance? yes, most likely we will fall, forget, and/or fail a few times. will Jesus catch us? yes. every time. but he will call us back out again and again. the hope is that we will learn and grow, that our faith will be made stronger...bigger... so that Jesus' normal, becomes our normal too.<br />
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in an effort to see Jesus above all else and as a reminder to keep my eyes on him alone, i've chosen to memorize this passage in Matthew as my STANDard this month:<br />
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Matthew 14:30+31<br />
'...but when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord! Save me!". immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "you of little faith, why did you doubt?"...'<br />
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-34775192256919328372014-02-17T15:23:00.002-08:002014-02-17T15:23:51.750-08:00plastic shacklesshiny toy guns can, and have, passed as the real thing.<br />
pretend handcuffs have bound unsuspecting younger siblings for decades.<br />
plastic shackles have graced the ankles of the neighbor kids more times than parents care to know.<br />
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i've fallen prey to pretend methods of bondage often enough. as a kid, yes. but, i regret to admit, more recently as well... as in, today. just today i fell prey once again to the LIE that i'm not good enough. just today i believed the LIE that i can't. just today i agreed with the LIE that it's probably not worth the effort. just today i gave in to the LIE that it's too much, too hard, too heavy.<br />
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i know that if i am struggling with these kinds of lies then you might be too. here's what helps me break free. <br />
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first, the truth. Jesus says in John 8:32 'that if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. then you will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH will set you free'. Jesus refers to himself as the TRUTH in John 14 when he says to Thomas 'I am the way, the TRUTH and the life'. so, by reading and knowing scripture we become far better acquainted with Jesus and learn the truth. we are taught how to recognize it, telling the difference between lies/false-truths and the actual TRUTH of who God is and what He says is true about us. <br />
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next, the lies. the Bible says that Satan is the father of lies. '...he was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. when he lies, he speaks his native language for he is a liar and the father of lies.' John 8:44 he will always and only distort truth. yet that distortion is typically very convincing. i know i believe and agree with it more than i should.... but that's because there are hints of truth in it. it's easy to respond, "... i know, i know.... you're right". the enemy doesn't make a habit of telling us bold-faced, flat-out lies as often as he does the partially true, almost believable ones. and it seems that there is just enough false-almost-truth to get us to join in. and once we grab on, we tend to sink fast.<br />
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being aware of the lies and knowing the truth are the keys to the plastic shackles. the actual mind-bending plot twist is that the shackles are, in fact, plastic... they can't keep you bound. believing that God's gift of freedom, through Jesus death on the cross, is REAL and actually TRUE is the way we become free. the realization that we have the victory through Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:56-57), that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)...<br />
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so next time you or i feel bound or defeated, let's make a pact to dig into scripture and find the truth. even if that moment is dominated by emotion, and our eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are heavy and our minds are darkened and all we can do is call HIS name.... JESUS. that name IS truth. let's take up our shield of faith and with it expertly extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16)... tears and all. whether we feel like it or not. <br />
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lets break those plastic shackles into pieces. render them powerless. walk away free.<br />
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Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-22028744048227534452014-02-01T10:27:00.000-08:002014-02-01T10:28:30.022-08:00the STANDard :: February<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">i guess now is as good a time as any to reveal the title of my new album....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the Beautiful and the Brave</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">it's quite interesting to take inventory of a life and find recurring themes that unintentionally come in to play on a consistent basis. this can't happen until a life has been lived for an extended period of time. i'm finding this to be true as i take mid-life inventory of mine. at 44, i am most likely mid-way through life. i mean, unless i live to be 100, then i've got a few more years until the mid-way point. but either way, i'm clearly closer to the end than i am to the beginning. in many ways that's a somewhat sobering thought. but <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">rather than feel any kind of regret, dread or fear about this mid-way point, i'm feeling instead a renewed peace and thrill about the next season.</span> and as i take a minute and reflect on my history, even as i consider my future, im seeing a thread, discovering variations on these 2 repeating themes: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in 1996 i recorded an album titled 'Beauty for Ashes', anchored in Isaiah 61.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">i began to see the truth in that scripture and know that God would in fact do what he promised to do, which was to take the wrecked, mess-of-a-life that many of us live(d) and dramatically transform it into something that brought healing and growth and even joy. He did. He does.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in 2001 i released an album titled 'Fearless'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my life verse is 2 Timothy 1:7...'for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". oh, how i have clung to that verse! the idea of being fearless is a good one... although my attempts at it have been feeble. i continue to learn that it's in my weakness that God is strong. when i am weak...afraid... HE is strong for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">as most art is somewhat autobiographical, these two projects served as both prequels and sequels in my life. and at 44, on the verge of releasing yet another album (in a few months), i'm seeing once more this thread connecting these themes. i continue to learn, and even love, the way God leads us through seasons of life. the truth in Ecclesiastes 3... that there is a God-ordained time for everything and the fact that HE HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN IT'S TIME! it's ok! it's going to be ok! even the circumstances in our lives that are dried up, burned up ashes, will be beautiful because of Jesus. that's the beauty part.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the brave part comes into play in the way those seasons play out and the uphill battle that often accompanies them. they are sometimes dark and cold, lonely and painful. moments when giving up is easier than carrying on. OH!!! but the view from the top is worth it. God is faithful and every promise is TRUE! it's entirely possible that some of us may have to wait until we step into eternity to really see the final, BEAUTIFUL outcome... but is not Heaven our home? are we not just passing through? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">keeping our eyes on Jesus is the only way up. the only way forward. is HE worth it? yes. a resounding YES!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 27:14 (although the ENTIRE Psalm is applicable!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"wait patiently for the LORD;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BE BRAVE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and courageous</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes! wait patiently for the LORD"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">armor on, sword drawn, deep breath....</span></div>
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Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955833430095408827.post-67588540003873728092014-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:002014-01-27T07:00:01.332-08:00music monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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last week i talked about hymns. this week i'm swinging the pendulum to the other extreme and thought i'd open the conversation up to hip-hop and rap. </div>
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i know few people these days that would think to condemn this style of music associating itself with God, but i'm sure some remain. i would like to go on record as a self-proclaimed-hip-hop-advocate. dare i say wannabe? </div>
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i want to introduce you to a couple of artists that i've grown very fond of: </div>
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<a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/artists/propaganda/">Propaganda</a> and <a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/artists/beautiful-eulogy/">Beautiful Eulogy</a>. </div>
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i've had the chance to meet these guys and hear them live... in fact we've had the chance to collaborate with Propaganda on a couple of things (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/remixes-ep/id730427168">Izzi Ray// Drowning Remix</a> and brand new soon-to-be-released Crystal Lewis//People Get Ready Remix) and i must say, i'm a fan. yes i'm a fan of this genre, always have been. but there is more to my fangirling than that. these guys are changing the game as they charge into uncharted territory. invading the space previously inhabited by money-hungry, greedy-for-glory rappers and singers out pushing and shoving their way to popular-town. </div>
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these guys are different. for starters their lyrics ring with the truth of scripture. yeah, the Bible. rather than all the selfish gibberish about me+money+whatever these guys are letting the weight of the truth balance their intentions and ideas, all with a clear confidence rather than a dirty arrogance. i told Propaganda after hearing him live one time, "ugh. this makes me want to be a rapper! you get to use so many words!!". my point being, sometimes as a songwriter it's incredibly difficult to make your point within a certain number of verses and a chorus. the pattern can be somewhat limiting. not to say that rap artists ramble and rhyme aimlessly... they don't. as i mentioned, their words are weighty and they choose them carefully. it's overwhelming impressive and inspiring. </div>
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the other way these particular artists, and others associated with them, are different is the fact that they have aligned themselves with a new version of a record label. Humble Beast records describes itself as follows:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #919191; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Humble Beast is a family of </span><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #919191; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">creatives</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #919191; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">, pastors, writers, theologians, and musicians, who leverage their talents to see the Gospel go out into the community and transform lives. We do this as individuals and as a family. Individually, we live our lives as missionaries, disciple-makers, and culture-creators. As a family, we combine our efforts to create a hub of Gospel-saturated resources, communicated in compelling ways for everyday people for free.</span></div>
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yep. for free. what??!! </div>
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all of the music created by the dozen artists on Humble Beast is available for FREE download. </div>
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i'm sorry, excuse me?? </div>
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this is unheard of. i mean, yes, you have spotify and pandora where you can stream music for free (or pay a fee for premium access), but the artist's themselves giving away their music for free??? this is a new concept. this is a new way of thinking. a GOOD way of thinking. Humble Beast does have a store where you can purchase hard copy CD's, T's and other merch. to support them. and i know from personal experience (based on the pile of goods i bought for myself) that the artists do well selling stuff at shows. as they should... it's awesome stuff! but other than that it's all about the free downloadable music. i love this 'business' model and as Brian Ray and i seek to revamp and breathe new life into our 22 year old label Metro One, we are moved and inspired by the eternal perspective that pervades their thinking. </div>
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i am familiar with the difficulty in balancing your God-given gifts and the platform He provides with what the world says is the way to do things. i know that it's not easy to 'make a living' in this industry.... especially when you are giving people the opportunity to own your music at no cost to them.... because the costs of creating it are massive, not just monetarily but emotionally, spiritually, physically, personally. and so it makes me love these artists, and this label, even more!</div>
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the point here is in the heart... these guys really are humble beasts! they believe what they are singing/saying and they sing/say it WELL!!! </div>
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i highly encourage you to visit <a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/">Humble Beast </a>today and don't just get music for free... check out their store and purchase merch! </div>
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<br />Crystal Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14101529538444620276noreply@blogger.com0