The Flame Within

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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    I deleted Facebook applications from my iPhone and my iPad for several days. I felt my spirit needed a break. My break only lasted a few days and that’s okay. All I needed was a few days.

    A few days to realize a few VERY important things.

    1.) {EVERYTHING IN MODERATION} goes for Facebook, too!

    I was too focused on everyone else’s business and not focused enough on my own business ( my family, my self, my spiritual life, my friends).

    2.) {NEEDED TO SET LIMITS} I needed to establish much needed boundaries and set time limits. Too much, is too much!

    3.) {SILENCE IS GOLDEN}. When the children were napping, outside playing, or I was resting before going to sleep, I would check Facebook. Guess what? Facebook is loud! Not loud in the decibel sense, but loud in the mentally over-stimulus sense. So much screaming for my attention and I wasn’t taking time to listen to God, to think, to feel regular emotions from my own world. Facebook must not overtake my quiet times! I NEED quiet time, like the air I breathe!

    4.) {MY TANK WAS EMPTY, I NEEDED TIME TO REFUEL}. Spending inordinate time on Facebook maintains the potential to leave me suffering from extreme burnout. I believe God knows we are human and we can only {handle} so much. To be anything for others, we must be certain our own tanks are full, otherwise we will crash and burn. We don’t think of Facebook as being too much, but for those of us who take things to heart and truly care about the needs of others, Facebook can throw too many emotions in our direction and if we’re not filled ourselves, we can deplete our resources and prove invaluable to our husbands, children, family, friends, and others in our physical presence. Word to the wise, take time to refuel!

    5.) {FACEBOOK IS A BLESSING}. Facebook allows me to stay in contact with good friends from Korea, Boston, St. Louis, local friends, and people I love all over the world. I am thankful for this form of social media which allows me to stay in contact with people I care about.

    There you have it, what I’ve learned from a few days away from Facebook.

    Oh, and I decided to homeschool my sweet Daniel who is currently in kindergarten. He is excited! I am excited! His books came in the mail today, we’ll see how excited he is tomorrow, when we begin our work! Here’s to being able to have the best of both worlds! My older two are in public school doing well, and I have the opportunity to experience the joys and struggles of a homeschool mom. I’ll keep you posted on how homeschooling is goes!

    Now for a few minutes to rest before the older two monkeys get home from school!

    Blessings, Crystal

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    I’ve decided to delete my Facebook apps. Those of you who know me personally, know that I am a true advocate of Facebook. I have friends all over the globe and Facebook allows me to keep in touch. Lately, for whatever reason, I’ve been feeling “blah”. I haven’t been able to pinpoint what is causing the feeling, and decided to pray. The Lord has put it on my heart to take a break from Facebook. I’m not sure why, but I’m certain that God’s will is where I want to be. I look forward to learning the life lessons God wishes to teach me throughout this time.

    It’s been about 6 hours since I’ve deleted my Facebook applications. I keep picking up my iPhone and iPad fully expecting to see a Facebook notice and remembering, “Oh, yea, I deleted my Facebook apps!” In six hours I have realized how much my mind tends to wander to this addictive blue and white app. I’m not sure, but in a way I can escape my own world and enter into the worlds of all my friends on Facebook. The problem is, I need to be “here” in my world. I must be fully present in my relationship with God, in my own home and in my relationships with my husband, my children, and my friends.

    How long will this break last? To be honest, I’m not sure! It could be a few days, a week, a month, or a year! I know I need time to refocus my attention back on my primary priorities, God and my family! I’m truly expecting to experience a revival of my spirit. I can’t help but ponder the way Satan will use anything in our lives to distract us from focusing on God. I refuse to allow Satan to use Facebook to distract me from focusing on Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, often God speaks to me through Facebook, but right now I need to spend time allowing God to speak directly into my heart. Don’t worry, you know me, I’ll keep you updated on what God teaches me through this time!

    Blessings,

    Crystal

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    This morning, I am lying in bed, the house filled with the sound of pure silence and my husband (the worlds best daddy) is quietly playing with the children somewhere in this house. He thinks he’s letting me sleep in (which is the SWEETEST thing in the world), but I am wide awake contemplating life. I’m absorbing this awesome feeling of contentment, I feel right this very moment. Everything is perfect! Peaceful home, sunshine gently beaming through the windows, quiet children, madly in love with my husband, blessed with four of the sweetest kids, and a home that makes me smile everyday!

    In a few minutes, the bangs and thuds will begin above my head in the playroom. The whining, screaming, squealing children will emerge, and this peaceful feeling will be threatened. However, right now this feeling of contentment is pure bliss! A simple moment, often taken for granted, is permanently etched on my heart and on my blog.

    Well, gotta go… The cabinets are now slamming, piano playing, and the sound of a herd of elephants above my head is my alarm to… Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!

    Happy Saturday! Take time to allow yourselves to feel moments of pure and radiant contentment and say thank you to the Father in Heaven, the giver of all good gifts!

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    Feisty little red-head boy…

    His birth completely changed our worlds.

    We were young… Supposedly adults.

    This child forced us to second guess our maturity.

    Long nights… With little or no sleep.

    Tantrums… Made me question my own sanity.

    Kind hearted women…

    Said, “Cherish these days… They’ll be gone before you know it!”

    All the while, I’m thinking, “Cherish…?”

    With each additional child…

    Came sibling quarrels…

    Ganging up on the parents syndrome.

    Unique new parental challenges.

    Despite the difficulties parenting threw in our direction.

    Despite the long nights in the hospital… Praying and worrying over my children.

    Despite the breaking up of fights.

    Despite the constant worrying over their well-being.

    I heeded these wise women’s words.

    I cherished the good times.

    I held my babies tighter.

    Made mental notes of child-like humor.

    I observed beautiful moments of sibling bonding.

    Took simple everyday moments… And taught my children about God’s love.

    I held their hands.

    Laid in their beds and rubbed their tiny backs.

    Cupped their chubby cheeks in my hands…

    Looked into their eyes and informed them of my love.

    You know… Those women were right!

    I couldn’t love enough…

    Hold tight enough…

    Cherish enough…

    The harder I tried.

    The faster they grew.

    I’m now an older… wiser… more experienced mother.

    My advice…

    “Cherish these days… They’ll be gone before you know it!”

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    My Dearest Daughter,

    I prayed for a daughter! Your three brothers prayed for a baby sister. Your daddy desired conformity over variety. Yet, the moment the doctor held you up and introduced you to the world, your daddy was smitten. Little girl, I want you to know, how truly loved you are! I want you to know how much your big brothers cherish you. You can’t appreciate it now, the way, your brothers look at you when you walk in the room all prettied up and ready for church, but girl they think you are the most precious and beautiful creation in this world. Why do I tell you this? You see, I sit back and observe girls trying so hard to find acceptance in this rotten world. I see the girls trading in their natural beauty, to be accepted by an over-sexualized society. Sweetie, if there is one thing I want you to know in this life, it is that you are beautiful just the way God created you. You are cherished just the way you are, you are loved unconditionally for who you are on the inside! All to often, I sit back and observe girls, trading in their inner beauty for acceptance from a world, that will NEVER accept you. I want you to know the acceptance from God, is the only acceptance that truly leaves you feeling accepted. Trust me… I’ve done my share of searching. I’ve sought acceptance from a world that continually left me feeling that I will NEVER measure up. When you are looking for role models, please look for those who trust in God! Those who have found the key to true acceptance. Those who stand for something, that will leave this world a better place! Girl, you are amazing! You are beautiful! You are loved! I pray you will be such a role model, to girls who are desperately searching for true and undefined beauty. My sweet daughter, I pray I will never look into your face and see uncertain and empty eyes. I pray when I look into your eyes, I will see a window into a soul of a woman who’s built her inner confidence on the fact that she is unconditionally loved and accepted, by Her Heavenly Father, a mother who desired a daughter, a daddy who is smitten over your sweet nature and blue eyes, and three brothers who think you are the sweetest princess in the world. Sweet heart, you are beautiful! You are the answer to our prayers! Please, never forget this letter, our love, and the God who loves you and will always accept you, just the way you are!

    Love,

    Mom

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    Friends,

    Have you ever had a terrible, rotten, and no good day? It seems everything that could go wrong, goes wrong. A few weeks ago, I had one of those terrible, rotten, no good days. The pressure of life just kept piling up. Finally when I reached my limit, I retreated to my bedroom and bawled like a baby. The tears fell and continued to fall. I laid there and asked God, “Why? Why do I have to feel like this? Why do I feel so alone? Why?” In the quiet of my bedroom, God answered, “I’m here!” He could have spoken a thousand words into my soul. However, at that moment, all I needed to hear was, “I’m here!” There are times when I feel like, I don’t belong, and I don’t fit in. You know what? In those moments, the most calming words to my soul are “I’m here!” We need to know, we’re not in this all alone. We need to know someone has our back. In those precious moments, God calmed my soul. He comforted my heart and made himself real to my weary spirit. Friends, He’s there, He’s really there! He’s always been there! He’s ALWAYS there. even when we feel like He’s not, He’s there! Do you need a reminder today, that He’s there, your not alone, and He’s got your back?”

    “I’m here!”, God

    Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

    John 3:16,”For God so loved the world that he have his one only son, Jesus, so that whosoever will believe in His name, shall not perish but have everlasting life!”

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    You’ve grown up too fast.
    Before my eyes… so hard to grasp.

    I’m sad… I’m happy…
    I’m frightened… I’m excited.

    Walking behind… Your little five year old legs.
    In the direction of that big yellow school bus.

    Transportation to get you where you need to go.
    Out into the big world.

    Independence Blvd.
    That’s the destination.

    I fight my yearning to hold you.
    Anything to keep you from taking those gigantic big bus steps.

    As much as I want to keep you close.
    I realize God is your father and your boss.

    I will watch you go.
    I will hold back the tears.
    I will step back and let you find your way.
    I will pray.
    I will always be close… No matter how far you may go.

    Sweet child… Please know “I only let go” because I love you so.

    God has big plans for your life… little man.
    Go… Discover Independence blvd.

    At the end of the day.
    That yellow school bus… Will bring you back into my arms.

    Where I will love, encourage, and enjoy our special time.
    Where I will do my best to prepare you for another day of Independence Blvd.

  • Today was a wonderful day. There was no special reason, the day seemed to run smoothly, and the clouds were on my side. I enjoyed being a mother! I enjoyed swimming with my children. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun over my skin. I enjoyed the hugs and kisses I received from my four children. I enjoyed the time alone, when the sitter came to give me a break. I enjoyed the sweet letter my husband sent me from China. I enjoyed a wonderful worship service and observing two precious baptisms. I enjoyed writing my paper for my graduate class. (This was astounding!) The stars all lined up perfectly today! Thank you Lord, for the gift of another “Fantastic” day!

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    My husband has been teaching in China for a little over four weeks. We have 12 more days until he will be home. Lessons I’ve learned from my six week stent of single parenting.

    1. Dads are needed!

    Despite what the world teaches about men being useless and continually making men out to be dumb… I tend to differ. My man is wise, respected, and loved by each member of our family. I am not near as good of a parent alone as I am with him by my side.

    2. Single moms have a tough job.

    Folks, this single parenting thing is for the birds. The pressure has all been on my shoulders and I’m truly on duty 24/7. Talk about stressful. If you come across a single parent, be God in flesh to her. Simply, knowing someone is thinking about you is an awesome encouragement and makes a big difference.

    3. I’ve realized how much I’ve taken my husbands support for granted.

    On a regular basis I have found myself frustrated with things I feel my husband hasn’t helped adequately with around the house and with the kids. The lack of his presence has reminded me, that his presence is EXTREMELY helpful. I’ve also been reminded of how wonderful of a father he is to our children and what a supportive husband he is to me.

    4. I realize how many wives, critique everything their husbands do and don’t do (myself included), rather than praising and being supportive.

    I have a whole new appreciation for the place in our family my husband holds. His absence has helped me to see how helpful he is around the house. I am going to make it a point to praise him for being a wonderful and Godly man.

    5. Life is boring without him.

    The kids and I miss his upbeat demeanor and his humorous nature. Often I take his humor for granted. I miss the continual joking and laughter dad brings into our home.

    Say thank you to your husband today! Take a moment to hug him and tell him all that you appreciate about him. I can’t wait to hug my husband and tell him how much we have missed his presence in our home.

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    My oldest two boys were all signed up and ready to begin packing for camp. However, something inside my spirit didn’t feel right about them going to camp.

    I couldn’t pin point and particular reason, however the feeling wouldn’t let up.

    My husband is teaching abroad in China for six weeks and we all miss him terribly. I thought to myself they might be extra homesick, I will miss them more, and my younger two might have a hard time with daddy and their brothers being gone.

    However, it still didn’t add up.

    I spoke to the boys. A few days ago and they “REALLY” wanted to go. I relented and thought, “I’m just being goofy!”

    Several situations continued to rise that made me rethink camp. For example, Christopher got some kind of bug bite that swelled his entire inner thigh. I took him to the doctor and he needs to be on a five day dose of steroids. A kid on steroids, is certain to not the get camper of the week award?

    The Lord spoke to my heart and lead me to call the woman who runs the camp. He said… “Just call and see if there are any boys on the waiting list?” I thought to myself. If there are boys on the waiting list than maybe that is my answer and if not that may be my answer.

    I called her and discussed my current situation and inner struggle. I asked her if there were any other boys on the waiting list. She answered, “You won’t believe this, there are two other boys on the waiting list, who’d love to be able to go to camp.” Hmmm? Interesting?

    I asked her if I could call her back after speaking to my children. She said, “Certainly!”

    I spoke to my boys. I told them it was their choice and there were two other boys on the waiting list. My oldest son looked in my eyes and said, “I want those boys to be able to go to camp.”, And Christopher agreed. I asked, “Are you sure?” Once again my oldest replied, “Those boys need to go to camp!”

    I don’t know why Holy Spirit began speaking to my heart. Or why, The Holy Spirit immediately revealed to my oldest son, that those boys were supposed to be at camp?

    I would love to be a fly on the wall of camp! God’s up to something! I know it and I would love to be there to see it!”

    The woman offered to return our non- refundable registration fee. I told her, God wanted those boys there and this is our gift to them. No problem!

    I would love to see what God has up His sleeve! He’s amazing and I know it must be awesome!