"Romance Me" . . .

UNIQUELY YOU. . .

There is one thing I know for sure- and it is that no matter where you are in your walk with The Lord- weather you are just starting to think about church- have walked away from Him completely or know Him intimately... HE WANTS YOU!

He desires to develop a relationship with you.

He loves you- He perfectly knit you together in your mother's womb and created you to be a spectacular unique individual to do incredible things that you've never even dreamed possible!

I'd like to share with you one way in which I draw close to God... In the book of James it says "Draw close to me and I will draw close to you"... or basically- try and get to know me and I will reveal more of myself to you. God is a man of His word.

SAY WHAT?. . .

Yes, there are times when I feel distant, or I get "lazy" in my "walk with God" (Christian-ese for my relationship with Him)-- and this is something I do that really jumpstarts my heart!

Either in my spirit (or my mind) or out loud I will say...

"Lord! ... Romance Me!"

To some of you this might seem odd, or you may feel uncomfortable by that. And that's ok. But I will tell you why I love this, so.

I started "dating" Jesus in my college years.

Someone had told me they read a book "I kissed dating goodbye" I never read it, there were some other books that were on this topic of being a woman (or man) of God and instead of (in my words) 'wrecking' your heart with torn relationship after torn relationship-- focusing on building your relationship with Jesus and waiting for Him to bring someone special in your life that is willing to court you.

THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE. . .

Well- what I found interesting was this "dating" Jesus idea that I heard of... I had thought it seemed a little weird, but I did love Him and I was so grateful for all He was doing in my life that I thought I'd give it a try.

So I went to a coffee shop and I brought a devotional book a journal and I began to just have a "conversation" with Jesus.

That night, I truly fell in love.

I felt God's peace all over me. It was like a warm blanket of comfort and joy like I had never felt just enveloped my entire being- body, soul and spirit.

That was only the beginning.

Since then, I've had incredible experiences with my "Jesus dates".

SHOW ME YOU LOVE ME . . .

My favorite times are sunrises with Him.

I'd get up early before sunrise, and either take a walk (when warm out) or take a drive to my favorite coffee shop- and as I'm driving (and still waking up) I'd just yawn and start our conversation with "Good morning Lord! How are you?" and just smile and feel Him smiling back at me.


Then I'd ask my question, "Lord, will you romance me today?!" And time after time there would be something wonderful shortly after I'd ask.

A beautiful sunrise with vivid colors peeking up just over the hill as I was driving.

A rainbow in the only part of the sky that was sunny with a beautiful eagle flying right under it!

Or some beautiful scenery that I'd see while out and about that was just PERFECT right at the time that I needed it. And I felt like it was orchestrated just for me every time.

Nature is only one way He would romance me. This is why I fell in love. Because I truly felt Him saying. "This is for you"


Maybe just as I'd ask Him a barrage of songs would come on the radio that would directly speak to my heart.

Maybe it would be a person He would send my way to give me the words of encouragement I needed at that very moment.

And many times it was His Word. The Bible. . . I'd bring it with, along with my journal. And After I'd ask Him to romance me, or show me something wonderful He'd like to say to me that day. . . I'd open my Bible up at any page and trust that He'd speak, and He would. It was as if a certain part of that entire page would just illuminate and leap out at me- and guess what? It would romance me! It would speak right to my heart- pertain to something I was just thinking about, asking about or going through... My God is not dead, He is surely alive.

One instance not long ago I remember: there were several songs on in a row about God's beauty. I was singing along with the radio about God's beauty- to Him- and I just remember driving and having the warm sunshine touch my face and I felt like He was telling me, "I am in awe of your beauty too, Crystal"

THE CALL . . .

When the King of the Universe is "enthralled" with my beauty, my heart will melt. I am being romanced by The King of Kings.

I think the importance of my journey of asking God to 'romance me' is that- this is how He has revealed His love to me.

His love is unlike the love we have with other people.

There is so much more to it.

And all of the deepest desires of my heart can be answered when I simply ask Him to romance me.

I want to encourage you as my readers, and challenge you- this week- just ask Him... "Lord, will you romance me?"

I'd love to hear how God romances you!

Carry Me. . .

A part of life is facing the ups and the downs.

Everyone must go through different seasons in their life.

It's how we handle each season that builds   and   proves our character.

It can be difficult to have our faith tested by the fire of trials. And even more difficult when you've been thinking you were stronger than this all along. It's humbling.

During trials our faith is tested, our patience is tried, our endurance is stretched-- we are in the valley...

And the magnificent thing is-- that every single time I have found myself in a valley... Even when I feel so alone. I feel forgotten, rejected, hard pressed on every side...

When I call His name... He is always there...

In fact- even if I've reached a point where I doubt His companionship through my adversity- When I call on Him... His perfect peace consumes my heart-
and I can feel Him telling me-- 'Of course I never left you.' 'I have been with you every step of the way.'

It's at my broken point where I've been crushed on every side sometimes by life- sometimes by my own poor decisions...-- no matter what-- when I call on His name... He is there...And it's not that He had ever left my side... more than anything it is that I'm too preoccupied with the troubles that surround me- I forget He is right there- waiting for me to look to Him...

I'm reminded of the footprints parable.

I am never at a point- no matter how wonderful my life- or how trying my situation- where I don't find that I need God.
It is during the high times that I think- how could I NOT have a life knowing you?! Look at how I am so blessed!! And it is at my lowest points when I think... if I did not know you-- I would not be able to endure this much burden... because He has promised to lift and take it away- and actually carry it for me... And He always does...

Its hard to believe in the midst of trials- but I know that through each valley in my life- that my character sharpens and improves and that my love continues to grow deeper for my Lord.

He .... is.... FAITHFUL-

And maybe today, you need to know that you are not alone.
If you feel abandoned... I encourage you to try and dig deeper and call out His name... He WILL be there... He has never left... sometimes we don't realize that our own ears have been bombarded with the lies and pollutants of the world... and all along He is sweetly whispering- 'I'm here... I'll never leave you...'

Photo Card

Monogram Memories Christmas

Visit Shutterfly.com for classic photo Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

LIFE..... LIKE A MUSICAL

{I'M CHALLENGED}
I have been challenged today.
I've been challenged by the Word of God, and encouraged all at the same time.
By a verse that I've read hundreds of times.
That is 1. Why I am so thankful for the Bible. 2. How I know that it is living!

It was the verse of the day. An app on my phone. The simplest thing. Yet I find that somehow it always has to do with what I am going through or with what God is really trying to teach me at the moment.

{WHAT GOD SAYS}
Here is the verse:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16

{BREAK IT DOWN}
Let's break this down simply. What a great encouragement.

Let the WORD --- (That is The Bible--- also Christ is also known as "The Word"- they are one in the same; but that is for another blog) -- we are to let it DWELL {to live or stay as a PERMANENT resident: to settle or inhabit} in us RICHLY {using valuable materials or characterized by  elaborate workmanship-- lavishly, completely, properly}

. . . teaching and ADMONISHING --- now this word is fully loaded... apparently there are a lot of ways to admonish... the main definition is as follows- {to reprove or scold, especially in a mild and good-willed manner- to urge to a duty} But here are some synonyms:{ to rebuke, reprove, reprimand, condemn, let one have it, point the finger, strongly criticize etc---then there is; encourage, counsel, exhort, guide, instruct, prepare, recommend etc}

I would consider that Paul was probably meaning the latter. Rebuke and reprove is very important, but I think the way we apply this is very crucial- which is why this scripture exists! Let's see as we look into the next part of the verse.

So we are to- let God's Word dwell in us, using wisdom, teach and encourage one another (now this gets interesting to me because it is so anti- our culture)
in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs....

{REALLY?}
Woah... So instead of arguing and disputing (which Paul clearly also says not to do)- life should be like a musical?!?

I love God! This would be hilarious! But I bet, it would change our culture, if we'd just listen... let's see what these things mean...

a psalm...  a song of praise, a hymn, a verse, a melody, singing, worship song, -- or a poem of a similar nature.

a hymn... a song in honor of God, to praise or celebrate.

and spiritual songs.... haha- you can't get much more out of that! And we are to do it ALL with GRACE in our hearts!

{AGAINST OUR FEELINGS}
WHOOO! SOOOO not our flesh or our culture!

I'd like for us to seriously just take this as a challenge. The next time we have a quarrel with someone- TRY what GOD says to do... I don't know about you, but I'd say God's wisdom far surpasses our own.

Our flesh wants to blame, point the finger, defend ourselves, let other people know just how wrong they are... but what if we tried it God's way?

{WHAT IF?}
Seriously!

What if, I was hurt or upset with something my husband did? And instead of saying "Why didn't you put the laundry away like I asked?!?"

I began reading a psalm. Or I began singing a song about God's GRACE (because I'd probably really need it right about that time!)...

I wonder if, instead of remaining upset, fueling my anger or frustration, and letting something small or big, ruin my day.... I might be released from those negative feelings? I might gain a softer heart? I might come across as loving, gentle, kind, and full of GRACE and WISDOM? I might also come across as silly- so maybe we'd even end up laughing about it... but I just wonder...

{WALK IT OUT}
I know people like this. They walk in such peace. Every word from their lips is God's word, love, and grace. A spirit of Peace, and love, and joy, and wisdom completely RADIATE from them.

I aspire to be like this, and I think this verse is a secret key that God desires to give us, if we would only apply it to our daily lives.

Some people would think that is crazy, or would overlook the verse, like I did; hundreds of times.
But you see, I believe that things are far more spiritual than we realize. There is an invisible battle going on, and there is nothing the spiritual enemy of our soul loves more than to cause havoc between people who SHOULD be getting along.

I don't know about you, but any time I'm feeling down, frustrated, lost, or lonely.... I sing. I sing songs to God. And the negativity melts away. I regain my peace. I allow that Word of Christ- that dwells in me, to regain it's ground in my heart- and the lies of the enemy no longer have any place.

I have also written a lot of poetry in my life. Many people do, and mostly to express emotion! Why? It is a healthy way of expressing emotion and releasing your feelings.

God is smart!

I'm challenged to give this a try. Before I react to a stressful situation with Lincoln, James or anyone else... I will TRY what God says here...

Why not? What do you really have to lose?

Let's try it God's way!

A Hope For Your Future . . .

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you. Says The Lord, thoughts and plans of abundance and peace and not for evil, to give you a hope for your future. Jeremiah 29:11

God is a planner.

He's got a design.

He's perfectly and intricately "knit" us in our mother's womb (ps. 139:13).

And He has a purpose for us all.

It is our job to take a hold of that. Our job to ask God what our tasks, purposes, objectives are... etc.

And it is our job to follow through with obedience.

Because our plan does not simply affect us. It does not simply affect our family. It doesn't even simply effect our circle of influence.

It effects the entire world.

There are intricate and elaborate ramifications for everything we do. And do not do.

I think of the show: TOUCH. A perfect example of how our world works in so many incredible ways.

We tend to play off incredible miracles as "coincidences" or by saying "it's a small world"

Sure, it's a small world to God! But to you, come on. Not really.

The truth is: God has a plan. And we are ALL a part of it weather we want to be or not.

The good news is, He is clear that He has GOOD plans for us and that WE get to decide to be a part of those good plans! ... or not.

What's on my heart today is a call.

A call to all those who have been complacent. A call to all those that have been unsure, skeptical, doubtful, lazy, or procrastinators.

And the truth is, I'm sure we all have at one point or another.

Well it's time to end our own self destructive ways!

Our world is rapidly changing. There is a bigger picture. We are called to higher things than we can fathom. And I don't want to live my life and find out I completely missed my objective here on earth. Or even partially missed it!

When I see our awesome God, I want to find out that I did what I was called to do- that I was obedient- that I was able to be a helper to God. That I was loving His people, helping those in need, being His hands and feet here on earth.

We are called to be world changers! And I know that everything I do, or don't do. Big or small. Will ultimately affect the world somehow, someway, someday.

It might not be a fun word- but it's time to be RESPONSIBLE. With our time, our resources, our energy, our family, our friends, our influence, and just our entire lives!

You are more than your past mistakes. You are more than a daily grind. You are more than the turmoil. Those things do not define you. Those things make you stronger, and can mold you into more of the person God has created you to be.

God already has defined you perfectly. He's designed you for something so special, and so powerful, and so wonderful! It's time to match up with His design and begin to truly fill our place in His good plans.

And it's so easy to get distracted. It's so easy to get discouraged. It's so easy to procrastinate. And there is an enemy of your soul who loves to get in the way of God's good plans. Who will try and HELP you WASTE your life here on earth- doing nothing of real significance. Or maybe you are doing things of significance, but you aren't utilizing the wonderful GIFTS that God has imprinted in your soul!

That is when we need to guard ourselves. Guard our minds, our hearts, our souls! (Eph. 6:16-18)

Friend, I encourage you to seek God and His perfect and good plan for your life. And once you find out, just run with it, and keep it in front of you daily to remind yourself of your bigger purpose!

Imagine the incredible things that could happen in this world if we all were empowered to know our objective and were steadfastly walking in it!

God can see it! It's time for us to see it too!

A CALL TO BE SCROOGED !

I guess today I feel like Ebeneezer Scrooge. But not in the way you may think.

I'm not grumpy. I'm not "Bah- Humbug"ing ... Actually today is already a productive day on the right path! I got up at 5 am- drove to the gym (while having an awesome time with God) for my cardio and came home, brewed myself some Starbucks, and now I even get to write!

No... I'm not grumpy... but I am Scrooged.

Sometimes we just get fed up with ourselves and our lack of motivation, or stick-to-it-iviness.

Sometimes it takes a "view" of the alternative route to draw us to the life we should have been living all along.

Like Scrooge.

I get restless with my complacency sometimes. I get sucked out of my "super woman" ultra productive routine and into my apathetic "I just don't want to do anything" routine.

And it feels good... for a little while... then it starts to feel like a prison. A procrastination prison!

When I know deep down I'm capable of SO much more. When I know deep down that I have SO much more to offer. When I know deep down that I was called to something SO much greater!!! And yet... I let time tick and waste away in my procrastination prison...

Sometimes it can take a lot to get out of it.

Sometimes it takes that Scrooge moment... When you realize the repercussions of staying in the procrastination prison. When you realize not just the repercussions, but then you realize the implications of stepping out into your calling. Of stepping out and being Super Woman. When you realize God has given you GIFTS and you are to USE THEM!

Maybe it was the Veggie Tales, Lincoln and I watched yesterday! hah.

"Lord of the Beans"... About using your gifts for every one's benefit. Not letting them be wasted.

It's like the parable of the talents that Jesus spoke of. Each person was given something from God- the one who buried it- was the wicked one. If we stuff away our gifts and never reach our full potential..... LISTEN TO ME HERE...

**THERE ARE IMPLICATIONS THAT WILL AFFECT THE ENTIRE WORLD**

God has given you gifts NOT for selfish gain. He has given you gifts to help affect every single person you ever come in contact with, and it spreads like wildfire through each individual life reaching the ends of the earth.

This is a call to be SCROOGED! -- Let God show you the WONDERFUL implications of utilizing your gifts for the world... STOP letting your hour glass run out in your procrastination prison.

If you aren't sure what your gifts are, ask The One who gave them to you! He won't let you go through life without knowing

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

We NEVER know when our time is up on this earth... We aspire to live long healthy fruitful lives, but the Bible says our life is a vapor... regardless of if we live it until old age or not... The reality is- there is an end.

Have you been REALLY {LOVING} the people God has given you? The people that hurt you? That blame you? That you may not see all the time? That you may take for granted? Or that maybe take you for granted?

This week I have been even more-so praying for my loved ones. We have been called to love.

{FORGIVENESS THROUGH HEARTACHE} 

Two of my most AMAZING friends- who are wonderful young women of God have gone through some very difficult (to say the least) things within their families. Some of you may relate- others may not. 

Each of these people have had to really forgive people in their lives for hurtful things they have done or said.

Although it was difficult, I saw these women walk in love, act in love, and forgive in love; these people who hurt them- and PRAISE GOD for that!

Doing this is NOT an act we can do on our own as people. We need God's supernatural help!

The incredible thing to me is this- Within the SAME WEEK. The people who my friends had forgiven: One of them had to have quadruple bypass open heart surgery (with only a 10%-25% chance of survival)- Thankfully this person survived... And the other person was tragically and unfortunately killed in a motorcycle accident.

My heart goes out to these women- and the pain, I know they are, and will experience- I cannot imagine. My heart grieves with you.

{ARE WE LOVING THOSE WHO GOD HAS PURPOSEFULLY PLACED IN OUR LIFE?}

To see the PURE AGAPE LOVE  (LOVE OF GOD) pour out of these women for the people experiencing these difficult things showed me how much God loves us-

Through hurt, pain, struggle difficulties, or offenses.... FORGIVENESS is so important.

We NEVER know how much longer we will have to just simply ENJOY the people God has given us.

Even if you don't have to forgive the people you have in your life- ENJOY THEM... BE GRATEFUL- ... We just simply do not know how long we have on this earth- or how long our loved ones have...

Make the most of your time. LOVE PEOPLE- Don't hold grudges- don't be angry- don't keep offense in your heart. LOVE THEM... Ask God to help you forgive them if you can't yet.

{REMINDER} 

Just remember, that as YOU were STILL a sinner and still hurting God... Christ died for you- and forgave you.

We should remember this and treat others the way God treated us...

There is NO greater love than to lay your life down for a friend. And that's what Jesus did for you.

He laid His life down.

I pray today that you would receive and understand His love in a fresh way- and that you'd be sure to outwardly love someone in action and truth- that maybe you haven't been lately...

Let us not take for granted the breaths we have left...