Settling For More in 2017

Reading a "hot off the press" autobiography, given to me as a gift by my daughter (who completely understands my love for really good books), is how I spent much of my evenings in the days following Christmas.

Now, making my way into the office on these final pre dawn hours of 2016,  reflecting on all that has been and all that is yet to come.... these three words (which also happened to be the title of that autobiography) beat lock step with my heart...SETTLE FOR MORE!

More FAITH....because faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
More HOPE....that necessary posture of the mind that keeps us moving forward, sometimes against very difficult odds.
And,
More LOVE....because it is the greatest of all!

Settling for more is not so much an end game, rather it is an active process (and sometimes a daily choice).  Life changes, therefore, it requries that I change too.  The joyful, exhilorating moments that go perfectly and as planned speak for themselves, but when moments of stress and complacency and disappointment and unmet expectations attempt to define me,  may I find courage to risk, stand alone if necessary, shine a light thru the darkness, and SETTLE FOR MORE....a more that goes way beyond anything good that I could ever hope for or imagine.

The passing of time is marked by a turn of a calendar page, but for this moment,  here's to a  NEW YEAR and SETTLING FOR MORE.                                

HAPPY NEW YEAR 

CRYSTAL 

   2017 

EXPECTATIONS OF CHRISTMAS--HOPE IS BORN and HIS GLORY REVEALED

EXPECTATIONS OF CHRISTMAS 

                              (originally written in 2009 when Sarah was in Africa)                                   (pulled from the archives and slightly revised in 2016 when Sarah was a newly-wed) 

One of my favorite pictures of Matt in 2009

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 plus 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!! 

I'm sure there are countless other “real life” scenarios we could add to this list. But let me 

we had fun recreating the picture above....in 2016

ask you, what does Christmas look like this year compared to what you expected it to look like?  Maybe everything went perfectly and as planned, but maybe it didn't.  

We have 17 more days before we see Sarah face to face. (Thankfully, this year, in 2016, we'll all be together Christmas Day).   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.

Merry Christmas! 
Crystal

The Gift Of A Good Neighbor, And A Christmas Cup Of Tea.

As we packed the last of our belongings into the moving truck and pulled away, my heart flooded with so many wonderful memories of that great place, the neighborhood where we raised our family.  It would be easy to spend hours talking about all the wonderful memories made and times shared.    So very much goes into making a place great!  For me, the most important, is the people, the vibe of community that is shared, expressions of love and kindness and pulling together no matter what is going on.   For as long as I can remember, my life has been enriched by the gift of a good neighbor.  
Driving away  was like closing a chapter.  But, for every chapter we close, there is another to be opened.  How will I open it,  how will I write it, what sort of people and treasures would my new neighborhood hold?  

Me and my next door neighbor, Carol

    Six years have come and gone now and we've done life next door to each other.  Summertime walks, vases of flowers, a crockpot of soup after surgery, shoveling snow, a morning wave, late night visits, a genuine interest and care in every detail of life....graduations, weddings, sickness, health, jobs, joys, crisis, and lots of notes of encouragement just because.


Christmas is my favorite time of all, because no matter what is going on, no matter how busy or full our lives become, we ALWAYS manage to call a time out, share a Sunday afternoon cup of Christmas Tea, and give thanks for the simple pleasures, which really are the best gifts of all.   

                               

Genuine love revealed in both giving and receiving, through flesh and blood, kinduv like I believe it did on that first Christmas.  

                               
                   CRYSTAL

THE GOOD LIFE, AND RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE EMPTY NEST

I am not sure where I got the idea that the empty nest would be a season filled with 

hours of leisure, 

schedules that were perfectly organzied with no interruptions 

and more time than I needed to nurture friendships,

advance my interests and organize all the parts of life that were pushed to the back burner and remained slightly unorganized thru the wonderful years of teenage drivers, high school sports and graduations, college acceptance letters and marriage proposals and weddings.   

Me and Rick, reflecting on life, in Anchorage, Alaska

I would propose the empty nest is more of a process than a one time event.  It signifies one job completed, but so many more new ones beginning, one chapter written, yet so many more chapters to write upon.   

The moments of "mourning the loss of life as we've known it for so long" and creating new normals as a couple have been real and existent.  But really, for us, it's been more of a shift than a loss.   Putting 18 years into making each of our children a "whole person" has been both exhausting and incredibly gratifying.  Along with the calling of being Godly parents and building a happy, healthy home, comes the grace and wisdom to embrace every season with open arms (even if that means an occassional prying open at times). 

Its an opportunity for us to lay hold of and walk in the promises that we've spent so many years investing in and believing for.  

"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."                        Psalm 112:1-2 

"Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life.  Never let loyalty and kindness get  away from you!  Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart.  Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation."  Proverbs 3:1-4  

Sarah and Me -- out to lunch for her 23rd birthday

Matt- Junior year at Grove City College 

As parents we never stop being a sounding board, we offer wisdom for decisions when asked, we never stop praying them thru and cheering them on.  Becoming great friends and watching our children enter adulthood with good reputation, holding fast to loyalty and kindness, seeing God's favor being poured out,  

It is something to be celebrated and never ever taken for granted!

I am however, still waiting to celebrate that idea of a perfectly organized schedule with no interruptions (wherever it came from) OR enough hours in a day to accomplish all the friendship, interests and leisure time that awaits.  Until then, I press on...... 

KNOWING AND GIVING THANKS FOR LIVING THE GOOD LIFE...
 IN THE EMPTY NEST. 

CRYSTAL 

ALASKA IN OUR HEARTS

A long day of travel and time adjustments on Saturday left us feeling rather exhausted despite all the exhiloration from this amazing week.  We opted to unpack, do laundry and get a good nights sleep before completing and sharing our final leg of the journey.

Earlier in our week we had tried to schedule a hiking tour to Exit Glacier when we discovered guided tours for the season were over.  Hiking it ourselves was an option, so that is what we planned to do until we got up Friday morning to an overcast, damp, rainy kind of day.  Not really having the proper weather proof gear needed for a hike of this nature,  a change in plans would prove providential in allowing us the ultimate prize!
Driving 4 hours back up to Talkeetna to get a majestic view of Mt Denali in all of her glory (it was sunny and clear up there). 

Our view of Denali, the never ending wilderness, breathtaking landscapes and glacier fields as well as our scenic hikes and walks through the mountains, and this great state of Alaska is what will stay with us forever.  

In the grand scheme of things, our time was short but we feel blessed beyond measure to have had this opportunity of a lifetime.  We made the most of every minute and would love to return someday to continue discovering the trails and rivers and glaciers that time didn't permit us to explore this time around.  Although we did see quite a bit of wildlife, the good stuff requires more time for going much deeper into the National Parks and wilderness.

At the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center

As we made our way back to the airport we spent our final hours in the city of Anchorage.  That is where we discovered a bike trail that beckons us back.   Time didn't permit us to bike it, but we did walk a piece of it and got a few  photos.  http://anchoragecoastaltrail.com/

We shared one last meal together at The 49th State Brewing Company, overlooking this great city from rooftop seating....brrrr, the sun was shining but a chill was in the air.

In closing, our time shared with you wouldn't be complete without at least one "crazy tourist" moment too.    

For so long we only talked about Alaska.....NOW, she will forever be in our hearts!   

Thanks for sharing this most amazing journey with us.

God Is So Incredibly Good. 

Crystal
#Steimling25

A DAY OF GLACIERS AND GOD'S PROMISES

A DAY OF GLACIERS AND GOD'S PROMISES

I wasn't sure I'd get to post again before our return....but after a day like today, making time to write about it and share pictures is an absolute must!   Just when we think the day before can't possibly be outdone with wonder and amazement, it is!  Each day bringing with it inspiration that reaches us in places and ways we never dreamed possible.  

Today we cruised into Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska, seeing another grand canvas of God's handiwork around The Harding Icefield, home to Aialik Glacier (a tidewater glacier) and Bear Glacier (a valley glacier).  We marveled at wildlife and even got to see and "hear" a glacier calving (wow, just wow).  

  https://www.asf.alaska.edu/blog/what-is-glacial-calving/

Aialik Glacier

5 hours of grand and breathtaking beauty, meeting new people (we met another couple from Conshohocken, PA who was also there celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary) and allowing just another piece of this place to find a special place in our hearts.   

As we headed back to port, it began to rain a little---but no one seemed to even mind.  As Rick and I reflected on 25 years together, and our promise of FOREVER to each other, God gave us this. 

To the next 25 years.....God's gift, A promise!

Being one of only two people on board to capture this on camera, we received it as God's blessing and promise to us as we look to the next 25 years.  Sometimes you find the most unexpected gifts, in the most unexpected places.     

As evening drew near,  we warmed our hearts by the fire and savored the contentment in our souls. 

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O     LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.                             1 Chronicles 29:11 

ALASKA......you've been so good to us!  

I still have a few treasures tucked away for Saturday.....stay tuned. 

  

Crystal

LOFTY MOUNTAINS GRANDEUR---HOW GREAT THOU ART!

Seward, AK 

Yesterday we said farewell to Denali and our stay at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.  On our way out of town we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at a super warm and inviting cafe.   As we placed our order the owner of the shop asked us if we were from Pennsylvania.  (Uh I have to admit, I was a little freaked out by her accuracy), but  having been from Springfield, Deleware county herself, I guess she knows a Pennsylvanian when she hears one----even in Alaska.   Her cafe proved to be one of my favorite food stops so far.   So warm, so inviting, and delicious too.     

Flying Squirrel Cafe (note the cool table) 

Onward towards Wasilla and Palmer, we would stop and spend the evening with dear friends Justin and Gina Jones (picture on FB this morning).  We were blessed by their wonderful Alaskan hospitality and pampered with a lavish meal of fresh salmon, moose burgers, and the finest wild Alaskan blueberry milkshakes ever made. 

Today, we were up with the sun and on our way south towards the seaside community of Seward.  Our 2 hour drive held spectacular views as we passed between the dramatic shorelines of Turnagain Arm and the jutting peaks of the Chugach Mountains.  

One of the overlooks on our hike. 

Hiking up Mt Marathon was rather gruelling and strenuous, but getting a birds eye view of the surpassing beauty in this place, coupled with being able to say we hiked this mountain (for all its history and story), makes for 2 really satisfied souls, and some really great "25 year celebration" memories.  http://www.alaska.org/detail/mount-marathon-trail

Along the trail to the top of the mountain

                    The nearness of God has revived our hearts and refreshed our spirits.  There is still much to be experienced and shared with you in our remaining 2 days, but my final two blog posts will more than likely be completed and shared upon our return to the lower 48.  This has been more than a vacation,  more than a celebration.....it has been a once in a lifetime trip that has been exceedingly, abunduntly more than we could've ever imagined.                                   

When I think of all the sights we saw today in light of
1 Corinthians 2:9 that says, "no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those  who love him",  I can't help meditating on His Greatness.....His Sovereignty!

Scenic View on our way to Seward

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                       CRYSTAL  

Down by the Pier

Taking a much needed rest by the falls on our hike 

THE SPIRIT OF ALASKA

THE SPIRIT OF ALASKA 

(MAJESTIC, TOUGH, HUMBLE, RUGGED, STEADY, PURE)

Scenic drive thru Denali National Park 

Amidst the incredibly vast space and beauty, one doesn't have to be present for very long to begin understanding the magnificence of the Alaskan Spirit.  I purchased a souvenier book of photography and poetry that captures the essence of the Last Frontier, called "The Spirit Of Alaska".   We've taken a lot of great pictures, but time nor season will permit us to even come close to capturing all of the greatness and spirit (hence, one of the reasons I bought the book).   

Yesterday, we visited TALKEETNA, a census designated population of 876.... and the place where every climber seeking to reach the summit of Denali is required to check in for permits and orientations (at the ranger station).  As we observed the locals and talked with shop owners, we got another glimpse into the spirit of Alaska. A hard working, fierce and steady people who thrive on the pure and simple.  Interestingly, one of the shop owners I met was from West Chester, PA (small world afterall).  She has been in Talkeetna for 15 years now, living off the grid.  When I asked her what brought her here she simply stated, "looking for change".   Her harsh yet rare beauty embodied the "spirit of Alaska".   

Just as with every small, quaint place (can't even call it a town by definition) there is always a great eatery to be found.  We enjoyed some of the best pizza ever, and that's saying a lot.  In our 25 years of marriage, we've been a lot of places and have eaten a lot of pizza. 

Our quotes of the day:
"Living here is like a perpetual state of camping" -- crystal
"Lord, grant us a trophy-moose sighting today" ---rick

*******

Well, we didn't see a moose yesterday, but we sure did today.

A 2 hour foot hike thru Savage River Loop

(posted on FB so I won't repost here).  We were up early to make our way into DENALI NATIONAL PARK.  Nothing could have prepared us for what met our human eye.  I think I now know what the Psalmist meant when he wrote, "THE HEAVENS (and the mountains--our paraphrase) DECLARE THE GLORY OF THE LORD!!  
We were in total awe surrounded by massive and majestic mountains.   We never were able to see MT. DENALI, (formerly Mt. McKinley) which means "the great one", or "the high one".  It is said that only about 30% of people visiting Mt. Denali actually get to see her as she is usually obscured by clouds....which she so happens to produce.  Should we be blessed with a clear day tomorrow, we may get to see her from our lodge room window before checkout.  

Quote of the day:
"DENALI IS "OUR" DISNEY" ---Rick and Crystal 

Baked Alaska for dessert @ the lodge after a long and beautiful day!

Looking forward to uncovering more of the "spirit of Alaska" as our journey continues.     #Steimling25  

  

THE AURORA, THE STATE FAIR, AND HATCHER PASS SUMMIT

After 2 successful flights totaling 3815 air miles, through 4 time zones and a dazzling display of the Aurora , we safely arrived at our " bucket list" destination.   Our first full day in ALASKA proved to be everything magnificent and majestic.

First Stop Up:  Lakefront Lodge- set on the shore of Lake Spenard next to Lake Hood with the majestic Chugach Mountains behind.  Here we enjoyed some much needed rest, a good breakfast of reindeer sausage omelette and some amazing black coffee.  One of our favorite things about this quaint spot was our neighbors' driveways---- docks, and their cars---- float planes.  (yes we watched about 4 of them take off during the hour we sat for breakfast).  

Next it was off to the Alaska State Fair.    Being on the Top 5 Best State Fairs in America List, we sure didn't want to be this close and not participate.   Though the growing season in the 49th state is short, the 18 hours of daily sunshine from June to August makes for some seriously monstrous fruits and vegetables.  (Rick will post his prize winning pumpkin picture at some point)
So many highlights,but our favorites were the Timberjack Show and Caribou steaks. We enjoyed lunch and rode the ferris wheel with some of the locals.  

Our favorite quote of the day:   "The Alaskan bearded man is my favorite species", said by a woman at the 2016 Alaskan beard contest.  (Yes, you heard me right. Only in Alaska----haha).  Hey for the record, there were some pretty amazing beards.  Althoug I'm a girl who prefers the clean shaven look, even I know a good thing when I see it.  Afterall the one I chose as my favorite ended up winning the grand prize. 
A few more fun facts before moving onto our final destination of day one:
Alaskans do creme puffs right.
Clean cars at the fair are the exception, not the rule.

Our first full day came to a close, driving the breathtakingly beautiful and scenic Hatcher Pass.   New meaning was given to those sweet lyrics,  for purple mountains majesty, above the fruited plain!  America the Beautiful.... Somehow I know this is only the beginning....a very small piece of the vastness that awaits us.

Another good nights sleep and we are rested and refreshed.....let's see what day #2 has in store.   THANKS FOR COMING ALONG.

Crystal  (#Steimling25)

ALASKA ....T - 14 DAYS

I don't know too many people who announce their plans to run away.  However, in exactly 14 days we are doing just that, running away to ALASKA....THE LAST FRONTIER  (at least for a little while).
As a couple, we have talked about and dreamed about this day for so long.  The reality of it coming to pass is really awe-inspiring.   We look forward to sharing bits and pieces of our journey with you (via this blog) in both pictures and writing.   We invite you to join in our adventure, follow along, and maybe, just maybe, be inspired too.                    
                                                                                                                  CRYSTAL


"To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world". John Muir

THE SUMMER I WROTE LETTERS

THE SUMMER I WROTE LETTERS 

              AT&T's famous slogan, "Reach out and touch someone"  first aired in the spring of 1979.

Now, almost 40 years later, with a new slogan, "mobilizing your world",  communication and connecting has become so constant, even instant, through social media and advancing technology that  "reaching out and touching someone" is often taken for granted.   Very rarely anymore does it involve a "telephone" (not to be confused with a "cell phone") and the decline in handwritten mail via the United States Postal Service is greatly measurable.  

So,  when my son took a wilderness living, summer camp job 2.5 hours away from home that promised  no cell phone use except on his 1 day off every 2 weeks (and sketchy reception & signal strength at best),  I settled into the discipline of writing letters. 

At first it was strange, and even challenging.  It required waiting!  Who waits anymore?  It required patience!  Patience hardly seems a virtue in 21st century America.   Each and every letter  required individual attention, quiet contemplation, creativity, information and most importantly..........

a sense of expression, a satisfaction, and even a surrender, that only gets tapped when convenience is stripped away.     

      

They say "receiving handwritten letters" (or typed in some cases)  is one of life's simple joys.  I find that to be true, and given Matt's feedback, I'm pretty sure he finds it to be true too.  

Interestingly, science has linked expressive (letter) writing to better moods, reduced stress and an overall improved sense of well being.  In as much as social media connects us and technology advances our potential for learning and communicating, so a summer of writing letters has become a great conduit to give me pause, not to let convenience overshadow some of the deeper, richer attributes and gifts that might  otherwise be missed in the clamor of the instant and the hurry. 

When I'd much prefer face to face or voice to voice conversation but realize it isn't an option, slowing down and taking time to connect in a way that says I really care becomes priority.  In the process of digging deep, I learn new things about myself,  I find a quiet inner strength and beauty that wasn't recognized before.  

I will always be a great utilizer of technology and am extremely grateful for its many benefits. But for today, I am thankful for the summer I wrote letters.  I hope for each one of you reading this, you too have a summer of "writing letters" somewhere along the way, that you too would be more intentional about reaching out and touching someone through the lines on a page and resourcing and rediscovering the potential of deep personal growth and satisfaction that comes,

for it isn't only in the receiving, but also in the writing of those letters that life's simple joys are rediscovered.  

crystal

  

WALK IN LOVE

Being married to a pastor, often  means that daily conversation revolves around sermon series titles and prep and even on occasion lending inspiration to my writing.   As circumstance (or perhaps misfortune) would have it, I was unable to attend this past Sunday when Rick kicked off part one in a Summer Sermon Series:  LOVE IS....  (my added twist --  WALK IN LOVE)

The Team

Actually, I was anything but walking, and especially not in love.   The 5K run that I participated in just the night before (and finished) was memorable and fun!    But, what I would soon come to know as a stress fracture to my left ankle,  left me hobbling/crawling along in terrible pain and grumpy with impatience and  frustration.

1 Corinthians 14:1 paraphrased.   Desire the special abilities the Spirit gives, but let love be your highest goal!

All through the prior week, Rick and I were anticipating and brainstorming about fun ways, creative ways, simple ways, generous ways, obedient ways, and on and on and on ways, to admonish ourselves and others towards "walking in love".

Now, in a moment of helplessness that was threatening my focus inward to self and to self pity,  I had to make some adjustments.

1 Corinthians 13: 4  Love is patient and kind.

Ouch 

With mobility greatly challenged, and the recliner and ice pack quickly becoming my number 1 companion,  I went on line and listened to Rick's part one message on this great mandate, "walk in love."  His  delivery of biblical context and practical application left me both challenged and encouraged.

#1 Even in my compromised state there were countless ways I could walk in love.
Sending an "encouraging note" or a "thinking of you" message  by way of text or phone call.
Speaking kindness. Smiling. Being present and showing thankfulness (instead of taking for granted) EVERYTHING EXTRA Rick was doing to pick up the slack around the house.

#2 We have become so good at "giving" love but what about "receiving" love.  A little more than a week ago our conversation lend itself to how we would walk in love and be a demonstration of being and giving love---not for a minute thinking that God would reveal himself to us through amazing acts of love and kindness in return, as the recipient.

AND

#3 Perhaps today, wasn't about a "physical action" at all.
Perhaps,  it was first, about choosing  a good attitude, a pure thought, a right heart.
When this happens first, the outflow of true, genuine and tangible demonstrations of "walking in love" are unstoppable.

I am eager for complete healing.  I'm a get-er' done kind of gal.   I'm a giver.  I'm a doer.   But for today  I will be still.  I will choose a good attitude, a right heart, and  I will learn (all over again) how to be a good receiver.

No we never did complete our "fun, creative, how-to list of ideas" for "walking in love", rather you continued to write it for us, the amazing friends and family and community that we do life with.
Yes, as much as we teach you, you teach us.  Thank you for your beautiful, sacrificial and heartfelt demonstrations of "walking in love."  ( some are listed below).

Whether you are giving or receiving, take some time to add to it today, in context of your world and your circle of influence.
Because......1 Corinthians 13: 13  Three things that will endure----faith, hope, love.  And the greatest of these is love! 

my new hair color  :) 

  *Receiving countless kind thoughts and prayer messages, via texts, phone messages and mail. (Life is busy, time taken.....matters)
  *Fitness friends making house calls to color my hair

Arm bands and Lip Gloss 

    (a good hair day goes a LONG way)
  *Fitness friends providing  me with tools and disciplines to stay fit and active without using my feet.
  *Prepared meals (from a pastor's wife and busy mother of 3) that lift the burden and lighten the load.

My Mom's famous pie 

  *Your Mary Kay Consultant going out of her way to personally hand deliver your order.
(yes, even lip gloss spells love for some of us)                           *Fresh strawberry pie from mom (good for the soul) and even better, sharing it with a neighbor.
*Your co-workers going above and beyond to cover and be there for you.

Little acts of Kindness is all in the greater journey of Walking In Love.  

I can't wait for the rest of the series....I know it will change us.  ALL OF US!  

Walking (hobbling) in Love, 

Crystal