Get Rich Quick!!

I just read an amazing article and something really stood out to me. It said the Faith is the currency of heaven. Hopefully I can explain in full what God has revealed to me. God wants us to understand His kingdom, which is in heaven. Jesus told us in the "Lord's Prayer" in the book of Matthew that he wants his kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. God wants to send down blessings from heaven.

I woke up in early this morning to something that God wanted to show me. I always had a hard time thinking that there shouldn't be sickness, pain, frustration, hurt, anger, poverty, doubt, etc here on earth. But as I awoke I had this odd vision. I was sitting in heaven and I had the chance to see all that was waiting for me (although I cannot tell you what it was- I just knew it was there). God asked me that if I had a chance what would I throw out of heaven down to myself on earth. I said ALL of it! He told me that was fine as long as I was willing to make room on earth for the things from heaven. I was puzzled for a moment then he reminded me of a scripture I have been pondering. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:19). Then I saw myself with a thick rope tying things up and then I got to throw something out of heaven at myself.

Here's what he revealed to me through that vision. My life on earth seems to be really full but I have to bind (tie up and put into bondage) the things that are not from him or that is not from heaven. (sickness, pain, frustration, etc.) Then I can use my key to heaven to unlock a blessing by making in loose (release, the opposite of bind). WOW, we have keys to heaven and we don't have to die to get them. Well, do have to die but that isn't painful or bad, we just die to self and accept Jesus as our master. Heaven can make deposits into our life. How do we do that? Through faith. It is through building your faith- not just hope. Faith is the knowledge of things not yet seen. How do we get that knowledge, through knowing God. Listening when he is speaking, reading what he has said, trusting in his unfailing love for us.

I might not have mountains of diamonds or piles of gold (in fact my bank account proves this), but I will forever be rich and blessed as long as I have faith. I will continue to make my deposits and enjoy the wealth. I will seek after his kingdom, in this I will be greedy! However, I know that another way to build your faith is by giving (the sowing and reaping principle). So I am giving! Take information and use your keys to heaven. I hope you feel my excitement! I am in paradise!

"With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." -Mark 10:27

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And we know that he hears us -whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of him. -I John 5: 14, 15


Here is the article's link http://www.bjm.org/articles/faith---anchored-in-the-unseen.html

Real Hope this Christmas

I have been wondering how people are dealing with the chaos in the financial world and the bleak forecast of where our nation is headed. The stock market goes up and down based on the emotions of the investors and many people choose what do to with their money based on their level or fear or worry. I choose to make the best educated decisions with my finances but that isn't always possible because after all unless you can predict the future, education can only get you so far. Many people this Christmas are full of fear, worry, and uncertainty. Where exactly is the joy and peace that always comes with this season. Well, I have come to one conclusion and the answer is hope.

I hear so many people say well I hope things are going to get better. But to be honest I hear no real assurance in that statement. It sounds like they dream or wish but do not have real hope. I have already said in a previous blog that faith is believing in things not yet seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Then I asked myself how is faith and hope different. I asked my pastor and he told me they are not, and the two cannot really even be separated according to definition. That didn't really help me so I thought of what it says in 1st Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three things remain: Faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." What the chapter is eluding to is that if you do not have these three things in life you have nothing. What better Word for today than this scripture.

For years people placed their faith and assurance in their bank statement and their stock portfolio and as long as it is going up so is their level of happiness and peace. Today, that is wrecking havoc in peoples minds and lives. The uncertainty and anxiousness I believe can only be attributed to not have faith, hope, and love. In marriage there are times when you do not feel like you are in love but you choose love. Today, many Americans need to be choosing the greatest of all- love. But to really have a fulfilled life you must also have faith and hope to accompany it.

What a tangled web I weave, does this really even make sense? It didn't to me until today when I received a letter from the Topeka Rescue Mission. It answered my question in a clear and concise message from the Executive Director, Barry Feaker.
It was titled 'Hope in Uncertain Times' and here is a tid-bit of what really spoke to me:

"There are basically two kinds of Hope for uncertain times. One type of hope is when someone wishes that things will get better. Little or no foundation supports why this individual has any real Hope at all.

Then, there is the Biblical version of Hope. It is a solid assurance that a loving Creator God has a purpose and a plan for you. Even without knowing how it will turn out, He will make a way according to His complete and eternal purpose. Two thousand years ago God gave us a child to show us a way through our uncertain times. We celebrate this day with the true meaning of Christmas. His glorious gift still is at work today. Psalm 71:5 says "for thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth."

Today you may feel uncertain about what tomorrow will bring. Through Jesus Christ you can rest assured; God is already at your tomorrow. Regardless of the circumstances God has a wonderful plan for you."

Okay, that almost made me cry. My conclusion after reading this: Real Hope is trusting in love. Real Faith is believing in love. What is love? The gift of Christmas. God sent His son to earth to go before you and take care of you. What better gift to have this Christmas than faith, hope, and love. Now how do you like that I covered two topics I wanted to write about, the true meaning of Christmas and hope. I pray that this speaks to you heart!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 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? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow? They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even King Solomon in all his splendor dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith. So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" Matthew 6:25-31

Thankful for being you

Everyone can agree that friendship is an important part of being a woman. I have so many wonderful friends and I like each one of them for various reasons. Sometimes I even find myself trying to emulate them. There is one of my friends Ana* (names have been changed to protect the innocent and unsuspecting) who I really admire. She is well spoken and has a very gentle spirit. Then I have another friend who is so helpful and seems to always be on top of things. Emma* keeps everyone updated on what is going on, throwing parties, helping her family, working, etc. Then there is another beautiful woman, Kiki* who is amazing at handling children and stress. I find myself constantly wondering how she has so much patience.

Okay, so when does admiration cross over to jealousy? I used to find myself comparing myself to these amazing women and think if I could only be a bit more like them. However, some of my friends are so opposite of me that no matter how hard I ever tried I could never be more like them. I am thankful that I am at a place in my journey that I can finally look in the mirror and find those attributes that are admirable and lovely. Often we are so busy trying to be someone we are not that we loose sight of the person God created us to be. I can even remember growing up and wanting to be so much like my sister and nothing like my mom. Now, I have realized that, though I hate to admit it, I have received a few genes from my mother that a really amazing. I guess it is the keeping up with the Jones syndrome. I have grow more thankful to God because I realized that he placed these people in my life not to make me feel inferior but grateful for who they are and what kind of blessing they can be in this world.

We can easily become deceived into thinking that we are not good enough when we constantly compare ourselves to each other. But it is also important not to do this with other people. For instance, take my children for example. Each one of them is not just me, or Russell, or any of our family members. The are each very unique persons. I used to always compare Megan and Elizabeth but now I consider it futile. I thought that Megan should have learned her colors and letters, how to walk and talk, and grow all at the same time Elizabeth did. After all they are from the same parents right? But it isn't so. Megan did not meet milestones at the same times Elizabeth did but that doesn't mean I didn't do things right or work hard enough. It just means she is her own person and she will do things at her timing the way God wants to work in her. There are actually many things that Megan does that Elizabeth has yet to do. Like make crude jokes or eat at the table without making a mess.

When we look at the differences part of our joy is being stolen. Be joyful in the moment and not continually looking at where you/they could be or what they/you could be doing. This is a concept that all women especially mothers should think about more often. I remember always being compared to my sister and when I didn't do things as well as her there was deep feeling of inferiority ingrained in me. Much damage can be done when we are always looking toward someone else and not to Jesus. He is the only one should try to be like. But when we do, you can be you, because we were ultimately created in His image. Part of being who we were meant to be is being like our Creator. He made you and I unique and special for a reason and that should be our focus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. -Philippians 4:8

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27

Like Sand in a Hour Glass...

My mom got my daughter a turtle shaped sandbox for her birthday last year. I thought it was interesting since Elizabeth went straight up to her and asked her for it not talking to me first. I would have said no, because sand gets everywhere! But if you ask grandma for something, you can expect that some time she will get it for you, she just has to wait for an excuse. All the kids at her party were so thrilled with it. It was so pleasing to see so many occupied children that are all happy at the same time. However, I am still cleaning up the sand. I was sweeping the sidewalk and found piles of it everywhere. This might not seem odd to you but the sidewalk is in the very front of our house and the sand box is all the way around the other side of the house. It never goes away, and it gets in everything. Once again, I found myself getting upset, partly with my mom and partly at my kids for spreading it. But God stopped me in my tracks...

This week Russell read a book to the kids called "How Big is God." Honestly, I checked it out for myself because I couldn't exactly explain it myself. The little boy in the book wants to know how God can fit in his tiny heart and be as big as the world. How can God fit in so many places? The mother says think of him like sand. Small enough to make its way into your sock but big enough to make a whole desert.

Now there will never be any cursing the sand in my house, any more. But I also don't think we will ever live near the ocean. No matter how hard we try to get rid of God or do things our way, he is always there. I know I can't see all of the sand that is hiding in the carpet even after I've vacuumed, but its still there, just like God. There will be fun times when we are joyous and just sit and play but there will be messes too.

This week, I asked myself how I could be at peace and look on the brighter side of things no matter frustrated I got. I didn't even realize how mad I was about this sand, but God used it to put me in my place. "Don't forget how big I am and how I never leave you. Even when you can't see me I am still here. I am also small enough to fit right into your heart." Even when we think that we have it figured out and are teaching our children these wonderful things, we still don't have a clue. But thankfully I will have the rest of my life to get just a glimpse.

I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. -Genesis 22:17

The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. -Deuteronomy 2:7

Just because

I think it is amazing what we can learn from our children. They reflect love in the purest form. My daughter Megan who is 3 told me that she wanted to make a special treat for her daddy. I asked her what she wanted to do and she didn't know but she wanted to make something out of dough so we had to go to the store and get some. I didn't bother to tell her that we could make dough at home because it was her special treat and she HAD to get it the dough from the store. That was last night and the first thing she told me after she demanded her morning drink was that we had to go to the store. So today we went to the store and she decided on chocolate chip cookie dough (which happens to be Russell's favorite).

This week was hard on Russell and I and what better of a way to end a hard week than with fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. The more I think about it the more interesting I find this. She didn't know why, or even care why daddy needed something special she just wanted to do it. God knows everything we go through and sometimes he just wants to share something special with us just because. I always hated that phrase growing up, but now I kinda like it. Maybe it is because I am a mom now a use it, but now I know what it means. "I love you so much that this is it." No explaination, just motivated by love.

How often do we do things just because for some people. Sometimes our just because needs to be for ourselves. We get stuck in the rut of life and time passes by and we wonder what happened. But love is the spice of life. I look at one of my children screaming at the grocery store and fail to drown out the the whining about wanting to go somewhere to eat from the others and I realize, at that stress filled moment that I am laughing. I am happy because I know that it will not be like this forever and they need me. How often do we come before God crying or whining and just what Him to do something. I think God has the same reaction to us that I had to my children. "Thank you for coming to me and showing me that you need me. You make me smile because you don't realize the beautiful things that are coming but I do. Please remember I love you and keep coming to me."

One of Elizabeth's favorite verses in the Bible is, "Let the little children come to me." How it must overjoy the Father when we come to Him. The simple fact is that it isn't just that we need Him but he needs us and he wants us. That is just a part of love. One day my children will grow up and they won't need me anymore. But I hope that they still come to me, not because they have to but because they want to. That is a deep love. That is what God wants, is the just because kind of love.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." -Matthew 19:14

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. -Galatians 5:22-23

"Lord thank you for this day, may I endeavor to be more fruitful in my life. I love you, need you and want more of you, my Abba."

Waiting

I just heard the other day, that if you are expecting something by a certain day, it will come after that. I know that everything always works out and part of having faith is not having the answers. I am sure that if the Lord would have told me everything that I would have to go through to get to where I'm at, I would probably have turned the other way. There is a reason that God only gives us enough light for the step we're on. So often we want to take control of everything and we think we have it all figured out. But the truth is that we will never have it down pat, not even close. I think there is quite a bit of comfort in that. We are not perfect and we will do things wrong. That is where mercy steps in. I used to get so angry at myself for making mistakes, and it turn had little compassion for myself or others. If God forgives us and gives mercy to us who are we to say that our way is better. So I guess I'm asking for mercy for always expecting things my way. I am asking for mercy and awaiting grace.

Oh, and don't forget peace. I look around at everyone in fear of this or scared of that. I said there is comfort in not knowing and there really is. It is called peace. I know that everything works out, it always has, so why not rest in peace instead of something so temporary? Peace is something that has no disorder or chaos. The Hebrew word for it is Shalom. (Funny I talk about this because this word actually came up it Elizabeth's schoolwork today.) Shalom means "safety, welfare, prosperity." I want this, I choose this.

Our main purpose is life is to worship our Living God. For me it is a hard thing to do when I am so focused on fearing what is to come/or not come. We lose so much joy when we are not content, and resting in God's peace. Everyone knows not to say, "Well, things could be worse," because that is usually what happens. No matter where you are at, there is always a silver lining to be thankful for. Sometimes that means being thankful for it even if you can't see it yet. Being thankful, and in peace, takes lots of faith.

Now faith is being sure or what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7

So the Story begins...

Although our story began many years before this blog began, I know that our story was written on God's heart before we were even conceived. I (Krystal) have started this blog because I have not been able to keep quiet. There are so many amazing things happening that I cannot contain myself from sharing with others. I hope that by writing this that people will wonder what I am talking about, what to know more, and hopefully I will gain some insight into my own small world.

Russell and I began dating in November of 1997. Here we are, despite statistics, eleven years down the road, and life is just now beginning. We are blessed with three beautiful children that God has mighty plans for. It is funny how when we first met in August of 1997 a week seemed so long, now eleven years seems so short. Our eyes are open, and life is so much more than I ever imagined possible, I can't wait to see the great moments but yet wish I could stop and savor every moment for just a little while longer.

Now, when what is decaying is clothed with what cannot decay, and what is dying is clothed with what cannot die, then the written word will be fulfilled: "Death has been swallowed up by victory!" -1 Corinthians 15:54