Say It Crystal Clear

Signs of LIFE

2012-01-26T06:07:00.000-08:00

It is the chill of winter that lulls the earth to a much needed rest, so too it lulls me. "Signs of Life" hardly seem fitting for the long days of January. As snow blankets the earth and naked branches twist heavenward frozen in time, the silence is almost deafening.
Schedules go on and duty calls, but the EUCHARISTEO kind of thankfulness never ceases. The 24/7 making of my "1000 gifts" list surely breeds a unique quietness, an authentic "soul-kind-of-rest".
One, that just like winter....is necessary. As I humbly yield, signs of life are everywhere, signs of life that run deep.

75. A dirty kitchen floor.

76. A few morsels and an empty bag from the chocolate dipped oatmeal cookies.

77. Lanterns in the window.

78. The inspired and Holy Word of God that lays open and invites.

79. A half empty container of peppermint lotion that soothes.

80. A college-occupied sister, making time for her high school brother.

81. The random amaryllis bulb out of the trunk of an old car (yields),

82. A reminder of spring, on a gray winter day (see pictures).

unfolding...thankful...drawing near...growing in grace...thanksgiving...to the core...steadying....focused... preparing....thankful...roots going deep for seasons yet to come.

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living...How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

PSALM 116:7-13

It won't be long now. The earth will thaw, and even more "signs of life" will awaken to herald the coming of spring. Won't you be waiting ready.....RESTED and THANKFUL!

Crystal

Daring to LIVE FULLY, right where I am!

2012-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

For me, LIVING FULLY isn't so much about doing, (deeds and accomplishments) as it is about being (living, being alive)! As I continue my journey along the road to 1000 gifts, the fullness of life cascades.

#32. A midweek train ride to New England.

#33. A view of Manhattan from the cafe' car on Amtrak.

#34. Quality time with my 18 year old daughter.

A spontaneously planned trip on Semester Break that began with “doing", very quickly becomes all about “being”.

#40. My husband's 50th Birthday Celebration

As friends gathered from near and far, no one could deny the fruit of his life is more about “being” and less about “doing”. Pondering how one finds and keeps that necessary balance leads me to...

#41. Wisdom for the way.

#42. Practical application.

You see, many important things in life do require doing, but many more of the important things also require being. As we practically apply wisdom for the way in doing, the natural outflow is being.

Living Fully, on my way to 1000 Gifts,

Crystal

One Thousand Gifts

2012-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

The VALUE in time spent with a friend, can’t always immediately be calculated. Such was the case for me a few months back. Sitting amongst the stately furniture she reads to me…. “One Thousand Gifts beckons you to leave the parched ground of pride, fear, and white-knuckle control, and abandon yourself to the God who overflows your cup.” Instantly I know it is a MUST READ.

Not long after arriving back into town, I purchase a copy for myself. It will surely be the perfect mother-daughter read over Christmas break. However, in a moment of spontaneous gratitude, I gift it away to a lifelong friend. I wonder what One Thousand Gifts will become to her. Christmas is just around the corner now when my sister arrives with shopping bargains in hand. I am ecstatic to find a copy for me and a copy for her. What will One Thousand Gifts become to us?

Christmas passes, a New Year dawns and we relish the evenings for reading, my girl and I do. Almost finished with the book now, One Thousand Gifts is real, it’s deep, eucharisteo, becoming personal. We are counting our gifts, with gratitude, one day at a time, One Thousand in all. At the very top of my list….…. The value of time spent with a friend.

Crystal

A Celebration of Expectation

2012-01-04T06:05:00.000-08:00

It's a New Day....It's a New Year!

I look with careful eyes through the cluttered markings and ink splotches all over my 2011 calendar. 365 days gone by and a great sense of nostalgia ensues. The battles fought, the failures tasted, the victories won, the tears of pain and the tears of great joy ready me with wisdom. Wisdom that will carry me into the 365 days that lie ahead.

Although I relish the clean, unmarked pages of 2012, they beckon to be filled. Filled with a life lived full of thanksgiving and purpose, a life lived full of hope and expectation, A life lived full of wonder and adoration.

There is something so inspiring about a new day, a new year, a fresh start.

Just as each new year brings a fresh start----those clean calendar pages, may each new day (all 366 of them this year) bring with it a celebration of expectation for a life lived to the fullest.

I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full. JOHN 10:10

Crystal

A Central Market Christmas and a Flash Mob Hallelujah

2011-12-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

A Central Market Christmas and a Flash Mob Hallelujah

Donning my scarf and gloves, I anticipate my very first outing to Lancaster’s down-town Historical Central Market. Enjoying some freshly brewed java and conversation with a man I barely know, Christmas is surely in the air, and so are the beginnings of a lifetime together. That was 21 years ago. Today, just one week from Christmas, the spontaneity of our youth beckons and in an effort to get some exercise and still take in all the wonderful sights and sounds and smells of Christmas, we decide to revisit our “first date” and an early morning stroll through the beautiful downtown Historical Central Market. This time, enjoying some freshly brewed java and conversation with a man I know well, we reminisce, round the corner and right there in the middle of all the commerce, witness a real live flash mob singing The Hallelujah Chorus. It was as if in that moment, it WAS CHRISTMAS...for Heaven touched the earth…..heartwarming, beautiful and glorious. No, we couldn’t have possibly imagined the lifetime of togetherness that was in store for us so long ago, but neither could we have imagined today when we set out, the gift that would refill our souls through a simple, yet festive stroll down memory lane…..FOR THE LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT REIGNETH, HALLELUJAH!
~Crystal~

Going Deep----Always Starts With A Hunger

2011-12-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

Gordon McDonald's Book, Going Deep was written in a rather slow moving, unique and fictional style. Although his concepts and ideas of cultivating spiritual maturity and exhibiting a life-altering faith leave the reader extremely inspired, he doesn't leave the reader with tangible how-to's, that work in the real live "nitty-gritty" world. One thing that was evident in the fictional CDP (cultivating deep people) initiative in the book, was, to go deep you have got to be hungry! To go deep you have got to be committed! It is one thing to take a fictional group of characters and portray hunger and commitment in order to achieve an end result/desire of Going Deep. It is something that proves much more difficult when dealing with true humanity in the 21st century. Until a second edition comes out that is "real life" tried and true, (I think we call it revival) , I will remain inspired to get more hungry....to get more committed....then and only then....are we GOING DEEP!
To comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Booksneeze in exchange for an unbiased review.

Intentional Adoration--A Meaningful Tradition

2011-12-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love the special traditions of Christmas. I especially love the ones that we have come to know and love since having children of our own. One of our all time favorites through the years has been ADORE-NAMENTS! 12 special ornaments would be placed on the tree--each representing a different name of God. For each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas we would take turns finding them and reflecting on the names of God. Oh it started out simple, like a hide and seek game----very brief, as would be expected with toddlers, but through the years as the kids have grown, so have the reflections and readings....into something very deep and meaningful. 12 days of Intentional Adoration gives way to 365 days of Heartfelt Adoration. Adoration to Him whose birth we celebrate.... Adoration to Him who sits on the throne both now and forevermore.

OH COME LET US ADORE HIM.

Crystal

EARLY IN THE MORNING--My song will rise to Thee!

2011-11-24T05:40:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember the stillness of the early morning hours has always brought about a heightened sense of THANKSGIVING. Growing up on a dairy farm, meant a lot of early mornings. As I would trudge my way to the barn under the clear moonlit sky, (even through my sleepy teenage eyes) there was a deep sense of peace that gave way to THANKFULNESS. The early days of my professional career had me walking the streets from my 3rd floor apartment to the community hospital downtown for a double shift. The only activity along the way was the flicker of the street lights and the corner bakery. Yet again, a deep sense of goodness and joy gave way to THANKFULNESS. Life would later bring with it wedding bells and precious little babies, and yep, you guessed it.....early morning hours. As the glider moved back and forth, the sweetness and wonder of new seasons in life gave way to THANKFULNESS. There have been some blunders along the way too. Seasons that have spelled grief and heartache and pain, but even in those moments of early morning wakefulness, no one could deny that God's presence right in the midst, left my heart overflowing with THANKFULNESS. I rise early today, for there is much to do. Food and tables to prepare, guests to entertain, friendship to be shared and so many blessings to count----but before I begin, I pause. The sun is kissing the earth, a new day is dawning and in the perfect stillness, my heart is overflowing with a song of THANKSGIVING.

Crystal

Tea Time Thankfulness

2011-11-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. ~C.S. Lewis

Somehow, I don't even mind that the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. I've come to savor this time of year. Just as the season of harvest is coming to an end and the fields are quieted for a much needed rest, so do I settle in....with a good book, a cup of hot tea and a heart overflowing with THANKSGIVING.

It's the simple pleasures of autumn leaves and blue cloudless skies that stretch out with ease. The north wind is blowing, the fire is glowing and my family knows abundance from diligently sowing. As I gather my thoughts, and assess the results, I am blessed beyond measure with goodness I treasure. Who would think through the rigors of life's daily clutter, would yield such contentment and peace for another. I'm thankful for so many wonders discovered, yet so many more in life to uncover. Faithful with all that you give to me Lord, in the stillness of my heart, I long to give back to you so much more.
Crystal

More Lost Than Found---Book Review

2011-10-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

For anyone who has ever struggled with fitting into "church" or had questions about God, this book will reengage you in the truth you long to hear. As the writer helps us to understand how and why we have arrived to where, what and who we are today, he also shows us how we can give our faith another chance....with simplicity and validity.
The conversations and chapters in this book will steer us back to real truths, and what it means to be ALIVE. The truth that Salvation did not come merely so we could sign a petition of beliefs, but that we could have a genuine, intimate relationship with God. Not only is More Lost Than Found a great read, it is a tool that will engage you and help you find your rightful place in the greatest story ever told.

It Is Well With My Soul

2011-09-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, so after a day like yesterday I am thinking to myself, "they are gonna be hard pressed to beat that". Sheila Walsh and Henry Cloud are certainly a tough act to follow in my book. But, in pure Women Of Faith Style, they did it again.

On the eve of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 how appropriate it was to begin our time with an incredibly moving standing ovation for the men and women in uniform serving our country, and all those who bravely gave their lives for our freedom. Just as we started our morning so we would end it. A standing ovation, except this time for Heaven, as Sheila sang How Great Thou Art. (I get goosebumps just typing it)

Mary and Mary Singing GOD BLESS AMERICA with Natalie Grant

Natalie Grant singing It Is Well

Through countless words of exhortation, psalms of praise, stories of brokenness and healing through more of God's promises and finally, Natalie Grant singing an acappella, spirit-lifting, heart-stopping rendition of IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, I was refilled with a keen sense of awareness & wonder (and yes, a few more goosebumps).

The Sheperd knows where to find us (no matter what our trouble)-Sheila Walsh

God sees us even when we don't see him. - Lisa Harper

God takes our trash and turns it into treasure. - Nicole Johnson

He takes our pain and gives it purpose. - Nicole Johnson

Live a full life, make it count, because nobody said you couldn't. - Lucy Swindoll

Right down to the final song sung, the final word spoken, ten thousand women today had every reason to leave a hockey arena right in the heart of Phildadelphia with lifelong blessings pressed down shaken together and running over. What started out for me as a blogging assignment during a season of tremendous change and some clouded vision, ended up being a Divine Appointment! And that, Women of Faith, is well with my soul.

Crystal

IMAGINE.....A Divine Appointment!

2011-09-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

One cup of coffee and the morning rush of Philadelphia behind me, when I find myself in the arena at my very first ever Women of Faith Conference. The opening speaker takes the stage and shares that beautiful promise found in Ephesians 3:20 about "God doing exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever think or imagine". It was then I knew, this was far more than a fun day out with the girls or another opportunity to be filled up to full and overflowing with the Word, and a great lineup of amazing speakers. You see, Ephesians 3:20 is one of my life verses, and for me, today turned out to be...

A DIVINE APPOINTMENT.

Sheila Walsh

Henry Cloud

Sheila Walsh and Henry Cloud would share the stage for the better part of the day and WOW! From laughter to tears and back again, here is a small glimpse of the full gamut that fed our hearts, our minds and our souls.

Changing seasons (look at every one through the window of the Word)

Brokeness revealed and hope restored (you can't have one without the other)

The promise of peace (John 14:27)

There is indeed a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3)

The map and 4 corners of life patterns (you have GOT TO GO to corner 4)

And last, but certainly not least....

Healthy boundaries, realistic goals and a few monkies in our lives......IS ESSENTIAL).

Today was so much MORE than I could've ever imagined, but then again....what are divine appointments anyway? I can't wait for tomorrow.

Crystal

WOMEN OF FAITH----48 hour countdown

2011-09-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Well the time has come. In just 2 short days I will be making the trek into that most beloved city...PHILADELPHIA, to enjoy my very first ever Women of Faith Conference. I am going with great expectation! Not just for myself but for you too. Check into my blog Friday night and Saturday night for tid-bits of truth, inspiration, and as always, writings from my keyboard that say it.....Crystal Clear.
Off to the city of Brotherly Love :)

WOMEN OF FAITH

2011-08-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

This summer surely goes down in the record books as one of a kind. With a relocation to Lancaster, a new church, a new job, new neighbors and my oldest daughter graduating high school and preparing for college, I can't think of a better way to wind down a season of mass transition than to clear the calendar, carve out some quiet time and refresh my soul.

Having the wonderful opportunity to attend the Women Of Faith Conference in Philadelphia, September 9 & 10 as a "BLOGGER" for that event, I'd like to personally invite you to share this inspiring journey with me, through my writing and also in previewing this video, (a precursor of what is to come.

See you in a few short weeks,

Crystal

Book Review -- Captured By Grace

2011-08-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself wondering how or where or even why GRACE fits into the everyday grind of humanity? This book is for you. Author David Jeremiah so simply and beautifully leaves the reader with a very clear, very biblical view of the plan of grace, the power of grace, the provision of grace, the promise of grace and yes, even the 7 wonders of grace. He leaves no stone unturned considering grace for the past the present and the future. And finally, he parallels the stories of two incredible lives....John Newton, an 18th century slave trader with the Apostle Paul and his Damascus Road experience. Maybe you'll never write the worlds most beloved hymn, and maybe you'll never be an apostle, but, because no one is beyond the reach of a loving God, you too, can be CAPTURED BY GRACE.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

2011-07-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

The summer of 2011 has brought with it a lot of time "on the road". This past week I've covered well over 600 miles. For me, outside the context of vacation, that is A LOT!!! Being accustomed to a 4 minute ride to and from work for the past 4 years, and living a stones throw away from just about everything.....the long daylight hours of summer and knowing it is temporary, makes my 3 day a week commute(106 miles round trip to be exact)from Lancaster to Paoli bearable.

As the weekend neared, and I was anticipating some much needed close to home R & R, my calendar reminded me that this was the weekend to attend a family graduation party. Sure I wanted to be a part of this beautiful season of celebration and achievement, but even more, the quietness of home and the remaining clutter of unpacked boxes from our recent move was beckoning and would have to be put off yet again.

Hair pulled back, windows down and sunglasses donned, I set out. Before long, "ON THE ROAD AGAIN" began to take on a whole new meaning! So much more than another 200 miles logged, God in His faithfulness began to deposit reminders of richness and great delight in the depths of my being. Although I hadn't traveled these roads in years, they were still familiar to me from days gone by. Sights and memories of time spent with loved ones who were no more, experiences and moments in time that have shaped and defined who I am today, began to flood by heart.

The Susquehanna River stretched out as far as the eye could see---weekend long canoe trips on those waters were a great activity for building character and enjoying God's creation.
The Daily Item Newspaper post box displayed in front of every house---that was Granddpap's route more than 30 years ago. We would help him with it during our weekly summer visits and he'd always treat us to an ice cream cone afterwards. Not only was it good for building discipline and work ethic, it also affirmed that we were loved and appreciated.
The Shadow Mountain Road/Inn---A place that used to spook me, when we'd drive by at night. Today the mountain doesn't appear so vast and the Inn is a small roadside shanty. Oh how perspective changes.

I was making good on time and well ahead of schedule when I decided to pull off and sit by the road a bit. Oh she hadn't occupied that place for 30 some years, but flashbacks of walking in the pasture, having an Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn and sitting on the front porch with Grandma quickly flooded my mind. You know when they say it is the little things? It really is the little things that sit deep within, instilling a sure and confident foundation, that enable us to be something great. I am so thankful that my heritage equipped me with deep, satisfying, God-fearing roots that yield a solid, confident, happy and purposeful life.

Numerous other roadside stops along the way brought specific remembrances to mind. The time my children (who were much younger then) and aunt Cindy laughed and giggled til it hurt. Oh to have one more laugh with my sister. But, because I don't I wipe the tears and find great joy in the bond we shared.

Do I feel better when my house is clean and in order and there are no more boxes sitting around? Yes Indeedy!
But for today, "On the road again" I delight in that which gives me joy and confidence. When I ponder all the special memories of yesterday, I am reminded of my true purpose and that builds even greater hope for the future....A Graduation Celebration Indeed!

Crystal

A BOOKCASE, A PHONE CALL, AND OTHER MOTHERHOOD TREASURES

2011-05-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

A dark, stately looking bookcase sits with grandeur, in one corner of my living room, reserved for my “most treasured” books and trinkets. I could put together a prize-winning display of books that I’ve collected on Motherhood. Many I have received as gifts from friends young and old, and many containing personalized, handwritten messages tucked inside the front cover…..affirming me, encouraging me, inspiring me. Did I mention the “grade-school” pottery? The joy that went into those proudly crafted pieces of art work created just for me….because I was “mom” have also earned a forever place on those shelves behind the glass doors.
*****
An autumn evening and I was cleaning up the dishes, when the phone rang. Overcome with weakness and the battle against cancer, my sister found the strength to leave a “few last words” with me. “Thank you for being a Godly mom, an amazing mom. Sarah and Matt are so lucky to have you. Through the good the bad, the joy the sorrow, the ups and downs, you have stayed the course, and never stopped walking faithfully. Now the fruit of their lives is showing forth. Your labors and example have not been in vain and you deserve to be proud.” Hanging up the phone, I pondered and gave thanks for the amazing example I had in my own mother, found the nearest box of tissues and just wept. Of all the things she felt worthy to highlight in our 42 years together, it was MOTHERHOOD. What an honor!! You see, there is a saying that goes , “ The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation”. Although I don’t always see it…… in a very profound way that night, through the words of my dying sister, I knew it. 24 hours later she would be in Heaven.
*****
From the triumphant, to the trivial, and yes, even the tragic, motherhood demands the best I have. Some days I get it right, some days well, not really. Dedicating myself first and foremost to the strengthening of my home hasn’t always been easy or without sacrifice. There are moments that call for putting my nose to the grind, putting my knees to the floor and not quitting. Then there are those moments where I quiet my heart, pull a book from the shelf, or remember a phone conversation and realize, I am blessed with the “most treasured” name on earth…....MOTHER

FINDING PURPOSE BEYOND OUR PAIN

2010-06-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

When the darkness closes in, where can we find the strength and courage to hold on? When the pain is unbearable, how does one even begin to wake up and reach beyond?

W
hen INJUSTICE, REJECTION, LONELINESS, LOSS, DISCIPLINE, FAILURE and/or DEATH ensue, is there really a way to gain understanding or more importantly to grow as we uncover the hidden potential and/or purposes? Dr. Paul Meier and Dr. David Henderson address these 7 universal struggles in their book, FINDING PURPOSE BEYOND OUR PAIN.

Through real life stories, biblical truths and practical application, let this book be the beginning of the journey that moves you beyond your pains to victory, restoration and wholeness. It surely will equip you to allow your fears and failures to give way to the light of God's purposes so that you can once again walk in comfort, peace and yes, "a joyful knowing"----even in spite of the pain.

Home Sweet Home

2010-01-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

I can't even begin to wrap my words around the anticipation that welled up in my heart as 5:20 pm approached, Wednesday January 13th, 2010.

Exactly 31 hours ago, we got word that Sarah was leaving for the Niarobi Airport to make her long journey home. And now, we are just minutes away from seeing her for the first time in a month. Oh we saw her a few times on skype during her stay....but nothing lights up the room quite like Sarah's real live, touchable enthusiasm and person-hood.

From Niarobi to London and finally on to Philly....the journey has been filled with stories to last a lifetime....almost, and even if the stories don't last, the impact will.

We sent a young, spirited, independent girl off to see the world and make an impact, and she came back a little more grown up, but every bit as independent and spirited. There is no doubt she made impact, but what she received in return, regarding character and her relationship with Christ, vision for the poor and the lost, future goals, wants and desires, schedules and possessions, and overall attitude................................... WAS TEN-FOLD. Walking through the international arrivals gate, as tired and travel weary as she was, she look radiant, and very happy to be home.

You know the saying goes, "it takes 21 days to make or break a habit"....we weren't in the car long before Sarah asked Rick why he was driving on the wrong side of the road. And, she was serious (for a moment). She thought it was Thursday (when it was only Wednesday) and she left for school this morning without her phone and/or her ipod. Pretty Cool huh!? The one thing it didn't take her long to appreciate and dive right back into was nice cold running water with some "uummpphh". Brushing her teeth with running water is no longer something she takes for granted....it is a luxury and something she will give thanks to God for, everyday at least twice. :)

I had a nice spread of taco salad fixings ready and waiting, but it was the American cereal she craved. Two bowls of lucky charms later, and I think we'll save the taco salad for supper tomorrow. (haha)

As I write this morning I am enjoying the most amazing cup of coffee----freshly ground beans straight from Kenya, indulge me for a moment because it goes down like pure silk. Really! You don't find a better cup of coffee. But, one thing you will find all over our living room coffee table is jewelry! From earrings, to bracelets and necklaces galore, there is a story behind each piece. Being tasteful in her selections, as she walked out the door for school this morning, no one could deny she just got off a plane from Africa. Truly, an opportunity of a lifetime for this 16 year old girl from eastern Pennsylvania. She's got her first interview with the school newspaper sometime next week.

We give thanks that she is back home safe and sound.

We give thanks for so many of you who made this trip possible and memorable.

We give thanks for the seeds that have been sown into Sarah's life, but even more, we give thanks for the fruit that is born out of one young girl's desire and one mother's (and father's) obedience, in letting her go "into all the world" to be a part of sharing the "good news".

So Long for now,

Crystal

2010-01-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

MORE BLESSED TO GIVE, THAN RECEIVE…..OR BOTH???
In scrolling through some pictures Sarah posted from Africa, one can hardly deny that missions mindedness and world travel runs in her blood. She has always been the fearless and adventurous one….always going about making the most of every opportunity and living life to the VERY FULLEST (and then some)! The sparkle in her eyes, does this mothers heart good. She is in her element….even though it is half way around the world.

On the home front we are on our final 6 day countdown. Just a little more than three weeks ago, we were wondering what Christmas and New Years would be like without our Sarah…..well now, we know! All in all, I’d have to say we are amazingly blessed. I understand in a whole new light what it means to say, “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. We have opened our hands and our hearts and given our daughter. We have made some adjustments and set aside traditions. And even in that, I’d have to say Christmas 2009 will go down in our family’s history as one of the most memorable for everyone involved. (even the webcam that provided a really fun New Years Day show and tell thru skype). Picture noted above :)

I know that Sarah will bring home lots of stories and neat experiences to share with us for weeks and even months to come. I am already seeing the lifelong fruit of this trip coming through in her writing, in her voice and in her heart. Who knows? Maybe it is the very reason for the sparkle in her eye too.
How I long to wrap my arms around her neck and welcome her back home….and I will cherish every moment so that when the time comes to let her go again, I can do so with gladness and completeness in my heart. God has truly been my portion and my peace. He has breathed into my spirit, a “God” kind of confidence and understanding that would be necessary….knowing that a very special 16 year old young lady would be….

*Spending Christmas away from family, yet finding a new family while opening her heart to the things of God in a deeper way.
*Seeing the vastness of our world in a new way.
*And making a difference, touching lives every single step of the way.

Oh we have experienced incredible blessing in the giving of our Sarah….but so much more, we have received.

Crystal

EXPECTATIONS OF CHRISTMAS

2009-12-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

EXPECTATIONS OF CHRISTMAS

Preparations are underway for another heart warming Christmas Eve Service as well as everything that goes along with our “usual” Christmas morning. The luminaries line the streets and as dusk draws nigh, I reflect on “expectations of Christmas”.

I make my way through the huge wooden doors to the church. Candlelight and carols fill the air, and.... so does the knot in my throat.
This is our first Christmas Eve without Sarah and the “normalcy” of expectations and traditions feel challenged, changed, and taken away. Although I may not always like it, after 40 years I have finally learned (and in some ways am still learning) to “stand still and see His Glory”.
As you read the remainder of this Christmas Day blog and “Expectant Christmas Reflections” I hope you will be inspired to do the same.

For a weary, stranded traveler who exchanges a warm and festive meal around the table with loved ones, for bad weather, cancelled flights and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will hold…....hope was still born and the glory of the Lord revealed.
For the young mother who struggles to comfort the fevered brow of her child, instead of decorating, caroling and baking…….hope was still born and the glory of the Lord revealed.
Unfortunate circumstances give way to broken homes and broken hearts. Any hopes of happy and joyful Christmas times will have to be put off until next year or the next….but even in that, hope is still born and the glory of the Lord revealed.
The missionary family who embraces the “unplanned”, because there is no other choice (or electricity), exchanges fresh made enchiladas and swimming, for a rainy day and dinner out…hope is still born and the glory of the Lord revealed.
Mary and Joseph resort to a Bethlehem stable because there is no room at the inn…. HOPE IS BORN AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS REVEALED!!

Between you and me, there are a thousand and one more “real life” scenarios we could add to this list. But let me ask you, what did Christmas look like this year compared to what you expected it to look like? Maybe everything went perfectly and as planned, but maybe, just maybe it didn’t.
We have 17 more days before we see Sarah face to face. And, although we wait with great expectation, our hearts are learning to take great comfort in the unexpected, in the different, and in the HAND-PICKED, HAND-DESIGNED expectations of the Father (Just like that very first Christmas Night)!
Then and only then, is hope born and HIS glory revealed.

Crystal

2009-12-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

TECHNOLOGY, THANKFULNESS AND CHRISTMAS TREATS
Our Wednesday sendoff has given way to safe flights, arrivals, and an overall
excitement for new experiences and friendships. In pure Sarah fashion, she warmed
the hearts of everyone around her…and in the end, got an upgrade from World Traveler to World Traveler Plus.

It has only been two days, but knowing she is half way around the world, my heart is
thrilled when a dichotomy of events…. and technology (that I usually take for granted) brings us together for a brief moment.

The day has been long, wintery cold and busy, and the lateness of the hour leaves me tired and somewhat weary. As I wrap up some thoughts and details in emails and journal entries, I pause before closing down the computer for the night.

The warmth of the morning sun awakens her earlier than usual….she pauses and opens up her computer for the day.
She is saying good morning, I am saying goodnight. Conversation was brief and light, but drifting off to sleep I thanked God for “perfect timing”, for the “little things” and for watching over my girl and keeping her in His care.

With a new day comes a winter wonderland of snow, snow and more snow! It is a “stay-at-home” kind of day filled with baking Christmas treats and cooking comfort foods. The aroma in the house is warm and rich! Sarah’s culinary gifts and her usual longing for a white Christmas makes my heart a little sad that she isn’t here.
But then, the click of the mouse brings us together again for a brief moment. As I take a break in between the baking trays of cookies, she shares with me the delights of her first few days in Kenya (and, her new cookie baking partner, Melia). It seems a good fit. Night time is drawing near for her and as she settles in to watch a movie with her “new & temporary” family…..my heart is glad that she has them….AND, that they have her!

Crystal

2009-12-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

It is the eve of Sarah’s departure…..
We get to watch her do what she loves most…. Singing!
After a night of concert at the high school, we go home to enjoy a pizza together and put the finishing touches on packing.
Now, the house is quiet, and I sort through an array of emotions and thoughts:
Encouraging
Melancholy
Tear stained
Heartfelt
Joyful
Proud
And
Surrendered
Won’t you to journey with me?

Up until now we have anticipated and prepared, we have invested time in understanding what it is to “serve with eyes wide open.” We have taken the necessary steps required to stay healthy and safe….shots, passports, and eating lots of blueberries and pinto beans to boost the immunity. We have opened our hearts and minds to God’s Word and His leading. (even when it wasn’t easy) And, we have worked hard crunching homework assignments and meeting deadlines and auditions (well at least Sarah has).
Walking in the Center of His will, has served me well all the days of my life! Now as I wrestle with my emotional mother’s heart on this eve of goodbye’s….I expect nothing less. In many ways this is a BIG ADVENTURE for Sarah, but I also know that she understands the sobriety of it all and the eternal implications that will be indelibly stamped into who she is and what she is becoming.

There is something to be said for valuing a full and meaningful life. Journaling, for me, has been a means to capturing ALL OF IT. So as she goes, I send her off with her own journal, to fill in the lines as only she can. It is a mere gift today, but one day it will become a collection of her thoughts, memories, treasures, and ultimately, a very special chapter in the story of her life.
How proud we are of her, for taking this giant step of faith, for being both brave and sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in her young life, for becoming a beautiful woman of God who has enjoyed some of the finer things in life, but isn’t afraid to strip it all away either.

As I tuck her in on last time (at least for a good long while) there isn’t a doubt in my mind that her exuberant and authentic life will radiate good deeds, good gospel and good journaling.
I already long for they day when you return, my dear girl Sarah. But until that time,
EVERYTHING that IS and IS TO COME….I surrender to you Lord.

Crystal

2009-09-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Max Lucado's NEW RELEASE 9/08/09
The one statement Jesus made more than any other was, “Fear Not”. In his newest book, Imagine Life Without Fear, Max Lucado unpacks a very educational, motivational and inspiring message to a world entangled in fear. From the earliest followers of Christ to the everyday man and woman of the 21st century, fear is no stranger. Learn how to better focus your sights upon the one who said, “take courage, I am here”. Though fear fills our world, it doesn’t have to fill our hearts. This is definitely a book that will redirect your doubt and position your hearts to be “fear-less”.

Book Review Blog

2009-08-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Hole In Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns is a book unparalleled to any other in calling us to a deeper place of commitment & understanding of the Great Commission. One can talk about being fishers of men, one can get excited about making a difference and impacting the lives of fellow human beings, but until one TRULY understands the magnitude of need, and what making a difference REALLY looks like through the magnifying glass of the "whole gospel" we are hard pressed to get it right.
This book is a powerhouse of facts, real life examples lived out, and scripture, all woven together to create a masterpiece that brings the reader face to face with the Whole Gospel. Beware, it is radical and convicting! (In a great way).

If you are: compelled to greatness or desire accurate information, if you are moved with compassion and desire to be Christs hands extended, if you are affluent and self sufficient, if you are lukewarm and lack for not much of anything, if you sit in church week after week and don't really know why, or even if you love the Lord with all your heart mind and soul, this book is for you and a must read!
Whatever our views are, wherever our priorities lie, reading this book is sure to bring us one step closer (if not a hundred steps closer) to lining up with the "whole gospel".