The Flame Within

One of the things that fascinate me most about the ocean… is its absolute vastness! It’s huge and the next land mass is a thousand miles or more. The ocean is huge! The sea reminds me of our individual lives. Everyday we deal with the everyday activities and stressors of life, like the waves crashing into the shore. Further out are the rolling waves and the farthest we can see with our eyes is flatness. Looking out, the last thing I see is a flat line… only a waterline and the sky.

However, further out into the sea there happen to be several tropical depesssions, one is Hurricane Francine and another developing storm is forming. Yet, we only know this because of the good weather change and the news, which keep us informed of impending tropical concerns.

In life we always have present day activities looming and concerns, the only difference is that we don’t have the weather channel to inform us of what is coming. Thankfully we have the Bible to teach us and model for us how to prepare for the storms of life and how to manage them when they come upon us.

During the calm everyday activities we should be resting up, preparing, and enjoying the calm and happy moments in life. Yet, most of us grow increasingly anxious about what we can’t see… We often just “wait for the next shoe to drop”.

As a counselor, I see this pattern of anxiety and dread in nearly everyone I see in the office. It’s a normal aspect of life… it impacts all of us to some degree. Anxiety is one of the most difficult disorders and it can drastically and negatively impact our overall quality of life. Anxiety is fears about “real” threats, not a lack of reality. The truth is life has many real fears and none of us are immune to life’s trials. There is a healthy and more efficient way to handle the anxiety and impending storms of our lives.

As I look out into the depths of the sea, I am reminded through the modeling of the sea… To enjoy the present, pray about our real life concerns, and give God the future. We don’t know what storms are looming on the horizon, but we can rest knowing that God does. We can enjoy the break and rest in Him. Rather, than worrying and dreading about what’s over the horizon. Therefore, when the big storms come, we’re more rested and equipped to handle them. Why? Because, we’ve adequately prepared our hearts, minds, and souls for the storms of life.

This is God’s way… He always prepares us for the next trial, if we trust Him with all our heart, mind, body and soul.

We will be okay… God is our captain and knows the sea… He knows it perfectly. Afterall, he created the ocean.

Friends, enjoy the present day activities and hold fast to him in the storms. Live for God!

Mark 35-41

“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Blessings,

Crystal

I walked 4 miles yesterday and I’m so proud of me. I started out trying to walk a mile a day and making it a priority. Each day is a little easier. Yesterday, was enjoyable and something I looked forward to. This is a big accomplishment (for me). All worthwile accomplishments start with small steps.

What is one small step you can take today to be a better version of you? A “you” you can be proud of?

Successful, joyful, and abundant living comes with intentional living and making more “good choices” than bad. Dr. Caroline Leaf states,

“Every decision we make has the potential to hurt us or heal us.”

Small choices good or bad impact us little by little overtime and huge choices impact significantly and proportionally to the choice being made.”

We make thousands of decisions daily. THOUSANDS.

What choices can you make today to be a better version of “you”? What choices can you decide to make daily to be a better version of “you”? Life is a journey and much of it results from the choices we do or do not make along the way. The outcome directly correlates with the cultivation process.

What is God calling you to do today?

1. Walk a mile
2. Have an important conversation
   3.Search for God (most important decision)
   4.Read the Bible
   5.Pray
   6.Call a counselor
   7.Go to church / A Bible Study
   8.Break off a bad relationship
   9.Step out in faith
   10.Call a friend

God is always pushing us toward healing and all too often we suppress the voice of the Holy Spirit to pursue what the flesh desires. It’s all about intentional living.

Galatians 5:16-26

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Friends, We have one life to live and it’s a gift. Let’s live it to the fullest by Walking in the Spirit. Go… Make your life a victorious journey!

Blessings,

Crystal

I am sitting here at the beach and this little guy has been sitting in front of me just chilling. I couldn’t help but notice how he doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. He doesn’t appear anxious, worried, and he’s just sitting there looking at the water and then the sand, a bit of time goes by and he looks at people enjoying their time at the beach. He’s calm and relaxed. He’s at ease in the place God planted him… on the beach, at the sea. He’s not worried about his next meal, he’s not worried at all. And… I’m certain he doesn’t have a kitchen and refrigerator full of food from yesterday’s trip to Costco and Trader Joe’s.

I couldn’t help but think to myself… Why am I not as relaxed, calm, and anxiousness as this little bird. I do have everything I need and I know for a fact there is plenty of food for the next several week’s in our fridge. I know God’s faithfulness and how he provides for me and my family. I’ve witnessed his goodness and faithfulness countless times in my life.

Why doesn’t spirit feel angst? Why does my heart feel worried? Why am I worried about the future? Why am I worried about my children, when I know God loves and provides for them more than I?

Yes, I’ve endured some trials and the last several years and “yes” there has been more trials than I could’ve ever imagined. Yet, God is faithful!

So, today I’m going to sit here at the beach… on a random day with no clients… Kids are at school. And… I’m going to soak in the scenes, soak in some
Vitamin D, feel the sand between my toes, and enjoy this present moment of bliss.

Today, I’m going to put my trust in God! I’m going to relax and know that He is my need meeter and loves to lavish His love on me. He loves to lavish His love in all of us.

Friends, where can you go today to absorb God’s creation? His beautiful is everywhere, we need only intentionally look.

Mathew 6 :26-33

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Blessings,

Crystal

I read this book to all my children and started when they were little babies. I don’t remember the last time one of them or all of them at once sat on my lap while I read them this book. Wow, I was so very blessed! I still am! They loved it, I loved it, and it was because they knew I meant the words deep into my being, they knew if then and they know it now. The same is true today….

As a child and a teenager, I went to bed every night truly feeling unloved and unwanted. I made a decision that my kids would “NEVER” have to know that feeling. Even when they were in the worst trouble, even when their words and actions hurt my feelings, even when we were not “getting along”, even when they were angry, I never withheld my love, this became our norm. To love well, meant we shared true feelings openly, then we apologized and hugged. Same is true today.

My oldest child will be getting married in just a few hours, The words to this sweet book keep coming to my head.

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you always. As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”

It will certainly look different as they grow up and will look extremely different on the other side of marriage.

I understand the depth of a mother’s love… I live it daily. Sometimes it’s wonderful and easy. Other times it’s a true act of denying my flesh for the betterment of my child, true motherhood requires faith, sacrifice, grit, forgiveness, laughter, joy, affection, grace, and Jesus. The only way to truly let go of our children as they grow up and live their story … is with God’s help and a momma’s love.

A momma’s unconditional love digs deep inside and pushes down our own wants, fears, concerns, and needs, for the sake of letting our children grow up and live the life God has in store, and steps back just enough to allow them to fully live their life.

So for now, I cherish the precious words of a book I read to my children a thousand times…. Because, this momma’s love runs deep. I know I have done my job successfully, because my children never had to go to bed wondering if they were loved, they knew and know daily that they are loved deeply. (Sometimes too much, I’d rather error on the side of love, than negligence.) This was my primary goal and my heart’s desire. Still is today.

In love…. A momma’s love… I pass the paton to the next woman who will love my son.

Please forgive me while I work out the kinks, because this kind of love doesn’t get it perfectly right when they turn 18, or when they move out, when they go to camp, when they have their first boy/ girlfriend, when they first drive a car by themself, or walk to the mall alone, or even when they walk down the aisle. This kind of love knows the duty and sets out to do the right thing and this process is a journey… it doesn’t just know what or how to let go perfectly, right away. It’s a journey, not a destination, this is what I tell my clients about healing.

A momma’s heart, I suppose is always in state of healing, mixed with excitement, joy, and pride for the future.

Congratulations to my amazing son, on his wedding day, you have one lucky bride. Your a catch, because you are the real deal, committed, loyal, fun, friendly, always wanting to live right, and you love God… just like your dad.

Today, I pass the Paton to your bride, to love you, cherish you, and honor you. To be the woman in your life. Your greatest supporter, encourager, and always point you to Jesus.

Today, as hard as it will be, I will step back and allow your bride to step forward as the most important woman in your life. That’s why this is so hard, because I take the calling very seriously, because I know it’s so vitally important to the recipe of a lifelong love and marriage. This is my heart’s prayer, that your marriage will be strong, a safe haven, and she will always be your soul mate and your very best friend. The one who holds you and you hold during the joys and trials this life contains.

And… please …. make sure the two of you never allow the other to wonder if they are loved.

It is my prayer that your marriage will always have it’s foundation firm in Christ, because that is the only way to have a love that lasts.

Genesis 2:24 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”

Congratulations,

Love, Mom

We all long for an easy life, to have not only our needs, but our wants given to us. We all long to be accepted into a family, a community, a school, and especially into the church. We’re all longing for a life that feels just out of reach… We’re always striving to just get ahead. Sadly, life seems to have more losses than wins. Life has more “no’s” than “yes’s… Life has more people who reject you, than those who accept you. Family members abandon us… More people turn away than turn towards… Friends are hard to find… Sadly… friends often leave for no reason. Bank accounts empty and replenishment is sparse… Loved ones die… Tests results reveal terminal illnesses.

Life hurts… We bleed… Bones break… Homes burn down… Families fall apart… We feel pain… We feel
broken… We find ourselves fearful, lonely, and sometimes shattered. Sometimes in life we get slammed… all these seem to hit at once and it can feel like we’re going to crumble under the pressure…. As if the heaviness of the pain of life is more than one can manage. It happens to all of us at some time in our lives. It’s true! We can’t “godly” our way out of life’s trials and pain. We are human and being human means experiencing life… and life can’t be lived without our share of pain and suffering.

This is “sadly” a part of life… Pain. Pain is hard. It’s deep. It’s sad. We want to run from the pain and into anything that will distract us the discomfort in our chests, our hearts, our souls. After all, life can surely hurt at times. Truth is… we never really outrun our pain.

This is where Satan attacks at his finest. This is where Satan’s lies leach into our hearts, souls, and minds. He tells us we’re not good enough. That no one will accept us. That no one will stay. That we’re unworthy of love. He tells us that everyone will leave. That everyone we love can and will die… He tells us to be fearful, to be afraid at our cores. He tells us that we’re stuck and we’ll always be stuck. He tells us we’re unlovable and that we will never find people who will love and accept us. He tells us “What’s the use… Why even care… Why try?”

This is what Satan enacts when he see’s us at our weakest and most vulnerable places. He speaks atrocious lies and works to disguise the truth. Satan acts as a barrier to the love, provision, affection, and faithfulness of God. It’s a plan that “all to often” works… He tells us when we lose a loved one… The whole will never be filled. He tells us that our lives will never be joyful, successful, fulfilling, or peaceful again. This is Satan and he’s conniving, the master manipulator, and creates destruction, confusion, devastation everywhere he goes. It’s all lies! He’s a liar! Friend’s, listen… Satan is a liar!

The truth is… Life is hard. It’s filled with considerable heartache, trial, pain, loss, and sometimes devastation. The truth is people do leave… they do abandon… they reject. The truth is money is tight and recession and war is real and hard. The truth is we are left in valley’s and often times long and hard valley’s. The truth is when loved one’s pass away, we’re left with gaping holes and shattered hearts. The truth is that although pain is a part of the human condition… God is there and he has a plan for our lives. He provides for our emotional, financial, and physical needs. The truth is the same loved one you have to say goodbye to… You will see again in Heaven. The truth is God sends other angels and loved ones who are ready to fill in necessary gaps. The truth is… when finances are dwindling… He always provides for our needs. The truth is… there is healing after pain. The truth is after the tears… Joy will follow. The truth is… those red and swollen eyes will be bright and joy-filled again. The truth is… No feeling is final. No matter how deep or real it feels in the moment. The truth is… No feeling is final.

The truth is… There is joy in our sorrow. There is hope in our pain. The truth is … “We are God’s precious creation and He will never abandon us. The truth is suffering endures for the night… but joy comes in the morning. The truth is… If God is for us who can be against us. The truth is… One day we are headed to our eternal home where there will be no more pain and no more tears. The truth is… our suffering on Earth is temporary. The truth is… There is hope, love, faith, and joy around the corner. The truth is… God is always with us and we are never alone. The truth is… God meets all our needs.

This is the truth… When life is hard… Hold onto the promises. His promises are true!

God is grace!
God is mercy!
God is love!
God is provider!
God is comforter!

When Satan attacks in our weakest and most vulnerable moments… Fall into the arms of…

Jesus…
Jesus…
Jesus…

Jesus is… TRUTH!

Blessings, Crystal Ridlon

Full Circle Moment for the Israelites…

Exodus 12-16: Exodus is full of profound lessons, traumatic events, God’s provision… And praise.

Exodus 12 is the Passover and the be to detailed directions given to the Israelites to protect their first born people. As, the Lord was preparing to declare justice on the Egyptians to free the Israelites from captivity. The detailed (and may I add- seemingly odd and extremely specific directions)…followed by the blood of the Passover lamb being placed above the doorframe… The Lord passed over any home with blood over the doorframe. This was the absolute worst trauma the Egyptians ever endured… I am certain!

I find it amazing how God is showing his provision, care, and desire for obedience from his children throughout Exodus, and how he is the same with His children todays. He provides, longs to protect and care for the details of our lives, and desires us to obey him, as He knows our obedience to Him is the key to our living in true joy, peace, and victory.

Exodus 13: The Lord provides a pillar of cloud to guide them by day and a pillar of fire to guide them at night. God continues to lead, guide, and free the Israelites from captivity.

Today, God doesn’t send pillars of clouds and fire to guide us… but he sent the Holy Spirit who indwells our souls, and guides our lives moment by moment. He really is an all knowing, omnipotent, and loving Father.

Exodus 14: The Israelites are making their way to the land flowing with milk and honey. It doesn’t go smoothly and Moses reminds them “Do not be afraid! Stand firm and you will see the deliverance of the Lord. “. Moses stretched out his hand and the sea dried up and the Israelites were able to pass on dry ground. Wow!

Could it be the “land flowing with milk and honey” is an analogy for Heaven? (I am not a theologian and have never claimed to be… so please, no harsh judgments. I am just a girl interacting with God’s word and trying to draw closer to the Lord by reading and understanding his heart.). This was an actual journey for the Israelites and it was long, tedious, amazing, and filled with miracles and disappointments. Isn’t this how our lives are, day to day? A journey complete with amazing miracles, extreme disappointments, good days/ bad days, and feeling God sees us and cares about us, and when things get bad questioning where he is in our struggle? Thankful for the journey, as it’s a wonderful life, and I especially love how God always redeems the “hard” and uses it for good in our life. Always!

My favorite part… The full circle moment.

The Israelites were saved by the Lord and they praised, worshipped, and spoke specific ways the Lord provided for them, for an entire chapter. They sang to the Lord! They exhaled the Lord! This chapter gave me goosebumps, because I could connect with the “full circle healing” joy and praise feeling that was revealed through the power of the written text. Amen!

The Israelites experienced a powerful “full circle healing” moment and God must have felt pleased and joy-filled.

Do we pay attention enough to see the “full-circle” healing moments in our lives? Or, are we just running at full speed busy, busy, busy and never stop long enough to see God at work in our lives. Or, are we living with such anxiety or depression that we’re waking in a fog unable to see good in our midst? In our lives and around us? This was not God’s plan for our lives. He sent His son so we can live abundantly and to thrive in our lifelong journey.

Pay attention to the “full circle” healing moments in your life. These are the moments that make the tedious part of the journey joy filled and exciting.

Sadly, the Israelites praise was short lived, once they faced their next trials in Exodus 16 – they immediately began grumbling and complaining. Let us not quickly jump to judgement, as we too, are prone to quickly shift from full circle joy and praise, to swift and intense grumbling to God. It must be human nature. Ugh! Regardless, God still showed up and provided for them, gave them all they needed each and every day, they never went hungry. Wow! Such a powerful lesson to be learned in Exodus 15 & 16.

Let’s take this profound story of praise, swift grumbling, and God’s provision into consideration next time we find ourselves feeling God doesn’t care or isn’t meeting our needs.

Let’s pay attention to the “full-circle” healing moments in our lives… These are the moments in life that make the entire journey beautiful.

God is there! He is present! He cares!

We “Do Not Need to be Afraid!”

Blessings, Crystal Ridlon, MA, LPC

Exodus 4: The Lord appears to Moses and informs him that he is going to use him to free the Israelites. After the initial shock of the burning bush to {really} get Moses’s attention…

In Exodus 4; God shows Moses in more detail how they would defeat Pharaoh and free the Israelites. In chapter 4, God showed him that the simple staff in his hand would become a powerful and magical tool. There wasn’t any power in the stick in Moses’s hand, the power was the Lord’s and he would send His holy power when Moses trusted him, relied on him, and called out to him.

——The staff in Moses’s hand was only powerful; because God is powerful. Let’s ponder that for a minute. Wow!——

God said in verse 5, “This, said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of the fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has appeared to you.”

The miraculous acts are to reveal the Lord’s presence and power.

By using the staff at the proper times, miraculous acts would occur. God revealed the powerful tools / acts Moses would have to defeat Pharaoh in Exodus 4. The staff in his hand became a snake when he threw it to the ground and returned to a stick when he picked it back up. God told him to put his hand inside his cloak and when he took it out it was covered with leprosy, put it back and the leprosy would disappear. If they don’t believe you after the first two signs, take water from the Nile and pour it onto the ground. The water will become
Blood on the ground. These are some astounding and frightening signs and are sure to get Pharaoh’s attention, right?

Moses after all this became fearful, timid, and doubtful. In verse 13, he requests for God to {please} send someone else. Interesting! I’ve been there, what about you?

Interesting fact: God appeared to Moses directly, revealed miraculous signs and gave him unbelievable powers to overtake and scare Pharaoh… and…
MOSES WAS STILL TIMID, DOUBTFUL, and FEARFUL.

Friends, could it be that we aren’t so weak willed, dumb, or coward? Could it be, that as humans facing naturally scary tasks… it’s a normal reaction to have {human emotion}? Hmmm!!

FACT: It is completely understandable to God when we’re afraid of a task, person, or situation. However, our emotions are never to be our God… Only God is our God! He ultimately decides and we do the work to grow close to Him for strength and courage and step out in obedience to the callings God places in our life. That’s our job, to live, serve, obey and trust God to lead and guide us.

Blessings, Crystal Ridlon, LPC

Genesis 42 & 43. Today’s reading feels much like a drama; filled with emotion. Deep pain, sadness,and trauma. Today’s reading would make for a profound movie. Complete with family trauma and showing Joseph coming full circle through the lifelong pain he’s held.

Chapter 42 and 43 show Joseph’s true heart, as he offers, grace and compassion to people who hurt him incredibly. Yet, understandably so, he reveals the level of pain and anger, in mild passive aggressiveness/ or even righteous justification for the evil deeds of his brothers. Despite his hurt and big traumatic emotions, he made sure they had plenty of food on their return back, and provided an abundance of silver and provisions. However, he is also working very intelligently to seemingly bring to light the dark secret in the family.

Numbers 32:23 says “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”

Our sins will find us out!

Could Joseph be placing his brothers in a position where they fear having to tell the truth about their sinful and deceptive acts towards him in the past?

In these two chapters we see Joseph’s heart more in depth; We see deep-rooted hurt, intense pain, trauma, and weeping. We see a real man, in a powerful position processing past trauma.

When Joseph sees his brothers he is able to hold himself together. However, during discussions about his younger brother, he has to turn away and weep. This is grief! This is love for his little brother, Benjamin.

In chapter 43, the brothers return with the youngest brother Benjamin. Upon seeing the youngest brother, Joseph has to leave the area to a private room. This is profound! This shows the depth of the pain that he’s been carrying for many years. What a powerful two chapters! Powerful and extremely moving.

As a counselor and as an individual who’s faced much hardship from my own family of origin, it isn’t hard for me to truly empathize with Joseph’s tears. In fact, tears fell from my eyes as I read about Joseph weeping. There’s no pain, like pain from a family who blatantly rejects, abandons, and betrays you.

Have you faced a hardship in your life that has led you to have to turn away and weep? Have you ever had to leave an environment to escape to a separate room, because your emotions were overwhelming? I’ve been in this position many times in my life.

This is trauma! This is hardship! This is pain! These are the painful life circumstances that leave permanent marks on our spirit.

For Joseph, being sold into slavery and rejected by his brothers, having to leave the family he cherished against his will, facing prison, pain, and tremendous lifelong wounds; This is trauma at an intense level.

Thankfully, God is the almighty counselor! There is healing found in Jesus Christ! We can trust that God has an amazing plan and will prepare a plan that allow us to heal. Healing is a spiritual journey!

Blessings,

Crystal Ridlon, LPC

I’m tired of beating myself up for all the things I don’t do… I don’t do math. I hate math! And.. that’s okay! I don’t make my bed every morning. I hate gardening! I despise pulling weeds. I don’t decorate my home like Joanna Gains. I don’t handle hectic schedules well. I don’t like people who are gossips, two-faced, and jerks! I don’t handle controlling people well.
I don’t eat healthy all the time. I don’t bake… or even cook a lot for that matter. I don’t work out an hour a day. There’s so many things I don’t do and I beat myself up for it! Why?

Instead of focusing on all the things I don’t do… I’m choosing to focus on the things I do.

I do love God with all my heart, mind, soul! I do love and try to respect and honor my husband! I do try to raise my children with all the emotional love, support, and sacrifice I possibly can! I try with all my being to raise them to love God and others! I do love people well! I do cherish relationships and am loyal to a fault.
I do counsel with a heart that cares deeply for God and for His children! I do like a house that’s not a cluttered mess! I do keep my house (usually) sanitary and try to pick up everyday. I do my best in all things!

Why is this rarely enough?

Women, friends, can you relate? Are you tired, stressed, and overwhelmed? Let’s agree to stop beating ourselves up for all we’re not and all we “don’t” do. We have to stop comparing ourselves to others. We have to choose to love and stop judging others. I choose love! I choose joy! I choose to live in peace! I choose to focus on the “do” and not measure myself against all my “don’t(s)”.

This is my commitment!

I want off this hectic hamster wheel way of living!

“Lord, Guide my heart in this commitment that you placed on my heart! Help me to remember that you love me just the way I am! You created me with gifts to “do” what I do well… To always challenge gently to move out of my comfort zones, but never place unreal, joy stealing expectations on myself. Show me daily the things that are important! Help me to trust you with my heart and to stop long enough to hear your still small voice in the midst of this crazy and loud world. Help me to know what things I need to give up to live the abundant life you’ve chosen for me… for my husband… for my children! Help me to let go of the busy and stress… To be truly able to embrace fully the joys of life! Help me, Lord, to trust and lean on you!

Your Daughter, Crystal”

Psalm 16:11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

Job… What a story! I want to be like Job… To trust God so fervently and to have God say about me…

“Have you considered my servant, “Crystal”? She fears God and shuns evil!”

Yes, that is my heart’s cry!

But, is it, really?

To be honest, I can find myself fearful of reading through Job! I want the “good” aspects of Job and the characteristics of Job. I want God’s favor for this amazing man of God. But, I don’t want the “hard” part. The suffering, the pain, the sorrow, and the hardship. Therefore, Job is one of the last books I am drawn to study… it sits right there next to Leviticus and Nahum. Ha!

Yet, suffering is a very real aspect of the Christian walk. It’s an inevitable part of life for all of us. As a counselor, I deal with suffering daily in my own life. I listen to unimaginable suffering in the office as a counselor. I see suffering every time I turn on the news, or even walk outside. The “bad and painful” of life surrounds us, possibly more today than every before. Satan wants it this way… He wants us to see evil and pain everywhere; He wants us to be discouraged and to lose hope. This is his ugly trap; His greatest snare!

In the midst of the darkness of this world, we have to work overtime to keep our focus on God. OVERTIME my friends! It has to be the most diligent focus of our lives, to earnestly seek God! If we’re going to make it through this life victoriously, we MUST earnestly seek Christ! Notice the action required in this directive by in God’s word… “Earnest seek”. That means exactly that… we have to long for, worship, intentionally serve Him, praise Him, love Him, and love others.

Psalms 63:1 – “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

I’ve been discouraged in my life at times when I find myself in a dark place, grumpy, irritable, and overwhelmed and God is not just rushing in to resolve all my problems, He’s not making me feel better. He’s NOT resolving all my woes. Then, I have to be honest with God and myself; and realize this is most likely a result of not “earnestly” seeking Him. Being lazy will never resolve the issues in my life! Not, will it yours!

In addition, I see many people week after week and I get a front row seat into their lives. I have the honor of walking with amazing Godly people through some of the greatest trials of their lives. I have seen firsthand those who earnestly work hard in therapy and I love this aspect of my job. Which as a “Christian”based counselor their relationship with God is always the primary focus of therapy. Those who put in the most effort into their spiritual life and in therapy overcome depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many people even discover a new and amazing way of living, God desires to bless us, when we’re earnestly seeking Him! I’ve seen many of their greatest life’s trials and heartaches be turned into amazing ministries and purpose.

Sadly, I’ve also seen the opposite. I’ve seen people who don’t really want to do the work, they think counselors have some magic wand we can wave over them and “wala” their all better. Not! They never open their Bible, they don’t do the homework, they cancel appointments, they don’t make therapy an essential part of their life, and then they walk away thinking, “That didn’t work!” “Therapy doesn’t work!” “That’s a waste of time!” It’s not the “therapy” that didn’t work; It’s the individual who didn’t do the work. I’ve seen people come in just to “vent” and I mean literally “vent”…. They don’t want to be directed and they don’t actually want help. These individuals usually get referred out pretty quickly. That’s a waste of their money and my time, and I prefer to work with clients who desire to achieve spiritual, mental, and physical goals. I get to see people doing just that all the time and I LOVE it!

Suffering is prevalent in all of our lives! The struggle is real! I am thankful that God has a plan and purpose for our suffering! The gospel is wonderful and this is the part that I love the most… The way the gospel heals broken hearts and leads people into Earthly and Eternal victory!

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Have you read your Bible lately? Has your faith grown complacent? Are you lacking fervor in your walk with the Lord?

I’ve been there and have been there recently…. Time to move away from complacency and run back into the arms of God and into His word!

EARNESTLY SEEK HIM!

Blessings, Crystal