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

recent posts

about

I love God, my husband was my high school sweet heart, and still is today. I’m a proud mother of the four most wonderful, sweetest, and cutest kids in the world! In addition, I am a mental health counselor. I love to write! I write from the most honest places within my heart and pray my experiences are able to help and encourage others on their journey through life.

Category: Parenting

  • Dearest Daughter

    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…

  • Independence Blvd

    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…

  • Lessons I’ve Learned From Temporarily Single Parenting

    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……

  • Crystal’s “Turn the Table” Over Moment

    I’m frustrated. You thinking… Wow… Not like Crystal to blog about something negative or out of frustration? Let me clarify: I’m not saying I never feel negative or frustrated, just ask my husband and children. However, right now I have a bone to pick. Usually, I decide to wait until my frustration passes but right…

  • Thankful For An Amazing Vacation

    We drove all day yesterday and returned to our home sweet home at 7:30 p.m. We had an amazing vacation and I can’t stop praising The Lord for the wonderful memories we made as a family. Leaving the ocean was hard! When I’m standing next to the ocean with my family, watching the sunset, God…

  • Heaven By The Sea

    Together we stroll… Her tiny hand, holds on tight. Walking beside the ocean, she giggles as each wave catches her feet. Her stature tiny, in comparison to the vast… powerful body of water. Yet, she’s not afraid. She is filled with giddiness. Together we sit, staring out at the sea. The two of us watch…

  • Reasons We Love Our Dad

    Reasons We Love Our Dad *He spends time with us. *He makes us laugh. * He’s silly *Takes us sailing. *Does lots of fun things with us. *Goes to our school stuff. *Gives us hugs and does “motions” with us. *He plays with me. *Plays good music. *He encourages us and makes us feel special…

  • When Your Child Ministers to Your Heart

    Tonight my son Robby and I were cleaning out the van and a song came on the radio. The song was “Thank You”, by Ray Boltz. This past November I sang this song at my uncles funeral. Suddenly, I missed my uncle deeply and tears began falling from my eyes. My son suddenly became quiet…

  • Maybe God’s “No” Actually Means “Later”

    We plead to God… “Lord, give me this desire!” His response {most often} fails our instantaneous expectations. Do we assume… His answer is “no”. When maybe… His answer is “yes”… but “later”. Do we trust his word… {Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will…

  • Lessons From a Five Year Old

    My son Daniel was playing at his friends house yesterday afternoon.  His friend’s mother is one of my best friends.  My cell phone rang and it was my friend.  She said, “Crystal, I don’t wan’t you to freak you out but I need to call 911 for Daniel.”  Her son playing around threw a music…