Refusing to Tiptoe

The juicy, yet weighty, part of being delivered

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Cristal

Just before heading out the door for an evening church service, Caleb opens the pantry looking for a quick snack.

Mom! Why do you have these here?

I presume he’s questioning the location of my dumbbells.

Firmly planted in the pantry at eye level.

I’m going to let you in on a little weakness of mine.

I’m scared to attempt a handstand against the wall. There I said it.

I can’t even do a modified handstand. And this is an exercise we’re challenged to accomplish at CrossFit.

{Because, at some point, we’re expected to attempt handstand push-ups. Which I’m not considering. My eyes are set on a simple handstand. Until I look around and my teammates are eventually knocking out push-ups from the handstand.}

For now, baby steps. I need to strengthen my shoulders.

Camden (my fourteen-year-old and loyal CrossFit partner) has been graciously helping me practice throwing my legs up to the wall in my bedroom and catching me when I fall. He has advised me to push-press my dumbbells overhead throughout the day.

But, I forget if the weights are not in front of my eyes.

So, I placed them in my pantry. And I admit to my son.

Because I’m weak.

Caleb accepted this explanation and was pleased to hear I’m working toward accomplishing this goal in a manner which allows him to escape having to catch me (because asking him to help me up into a handstand and then kicking him as I fell was not my finest moment nor his pleasure).

He grabbed his snack, and we headed to church.

As our pastor journeyed through a Psalm, he recalled God asking His people to create reminders. Symbols to spark interest in the children. Prompting the sons and daughters to question their significance.

Dad, what’s this for?

Reminders of God’s provision, protection and deliverance.

A prompt to praise.

My mind instantly pictured my weighted reminders sparking Caleb’s interest. Now he’s aware of the importance of the beloved handstand. And his mother’s weakness.

Yet, I have not placed pillars of praise in his sight. Significant symbols of God’s deliverance setting in his midst so he’ll ask and I can explain.

But do I really want to get that raw with my child?

To discuss the deliverance I must admit the bondage.

I’d have to reveal a time when I stepped foot into a Guatemalan orphanage only to realize my heart was hardened toward orphans. Nearly two decades of social work had carefully calloused a heart in need of protection from the daily atrocities encountered by abused and neglected children.

And does an orphan advocate admit she doesn’t feel love for orphans?

Only if she wants to be free.

The Israelites built their pillar of praise after crossing the Red Sea upon being released from slavery.

Wasn’t I relieved to once find out Noah was drunk and naked, Abraham lied big-style twice and Rebekah and Jacob deceived Isaac {and that’s in just the first book of the Bible}.

Knowing their weaknesses and seeing their deliverance gave me hope.

Are we concealing the dirty so we appear clean?

And all the while our children, family, and friends are seeing a superficial walk with Christ through rose-colored glasses. Spectacles we’ve placed upon their innocent eyes to protect them from the truth. One day, the lenses will be removed. They will see clearly. A crisp picture with a depth of revelation.

Why not remove the façade now?

Show them deliverance.

Take a deep breath.

Admit our weighty weaknesses.

Then point them to our Strength.

*******

What about you? Ever found your passage to freedom by admitting your bondage?

For encouragement to expose your weaknesses in order to reveal your Strength:

My Life as a Souped-Up Town Car

Mater (as in Tow Mater) convinced me to take off my church mask

Broken & Poured Out (a lil’ dab won’t do ya)

Losing 12 inches in 30 minutes (or longer depending on your height)

Posted in Faith | Tagged Christianity, CrossFit, Faith, Family, Gratitude, Sacrifice, Salvation | 17 Comments

Sharing Sunday: Intentional Illuminated Living

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Cristal

Complete darkness.

Deep in a cave, the tour guide turns off every source of light. I feel for my husband’s hand and grasp tightly. Eyes wide open. Yet nothing is seen.

Everything recently familiar covered in a blanket of darkness. The sure-footed path now hidden. Uncertain of our step, we stand stone still.

I widen my eyes. Still no light.

Sunday, our Pastor illuminated the path as we traveled through John 12:27-36.

So Jesus said to them, You will have the Light only a little while longer.

Walk while you have the Light [keep on living by it], so that darkness may not overtake and overcome you.

He who walks about in the dark does not know where he goes [he is drifting]. (John 12:35 Amplified)

Finding ourselves deep in the darkness of a cave. Overcome by lack of light.

Drifting. A ship at sea without moonlight. Void of stars shining to light the way.

…how can light have fellowship with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14b)

Sunrise reveals the course taken.

The light exposes. Illuminates. Guides.

Life is a gift.

Manner of living is a choice.

Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near,

so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight:

not in carousing and drunkenness;

not in sexual impurity and promiscuity;

not in quarreling and jealousy.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires. (Romans 13:11-14)

Choosing Light. Or choosing darkness.

The room is dark until the hand reaches for the lamp to turn on the light.

Discarding the deeds of darkness.

Wearing the armor of Light.

Refusing to tiptoe.

Intentional illuminated living.

Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.

A flicker of a lit candle is a relieving comfort to those stumbling through a darkened room.

The lighthouse’s flaming beacon welcomes the wayward ship.

The Light of the Word soothes the soul of a seeking heart.

Our life is but a day, and we have a day’s journey to go. (Matthew Henry)

Posted in Faith | Tagged Christianity, Faith, Jesus Christ, Matthew Henry, Sharing Sundays | 14 Comments

The four minutes that renovated my walk last year

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Cristal

You won’t regret focusing your attention on this video for just 260 seconds.

In fact, your focus may change in 261 seconds.

Mine did.

Posted in Faith | Tagged Christianity, Faith, Francis Chan, Jesus Christ, Sacrifice | 27 Comments

Sharing Sunday: What kind of tree are you? (hint: check out your fruit)

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Cristal

Our Pastor shared the Truth with us yesterday, as taught by Jesus and recorded in the twelfth chapter of John.

I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop.

The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:24-25)

A living that dies. And a dying that lives.

A love of life, this temporal existence, producing death.

Yet a disregard for the life on earth preserving an eternal and glorious existence.

Each yielding a harvest of fruit.

A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit. (Luke 6:43)

In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. (Matthew 7:17)

Excellent fruit dripping ripe from the healthy tree.

A sickly and spoiled crop hanging loosely from the branches of the diseased tree.

You’ll recognize them by their fruit. (Matthew 7:16a)

Then, a question.

To all bearers of fruit.

From Jesus.

Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say? (Luke 6:46)

And a warning, lest you’re unconcerned with your fruit production.

Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 7:19)

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

We find John the Baptist, always paving the way.

Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!

Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. (Matthew 3:2, 8)

Reminding us to produce fruit.

A harvest consistent with reform.

Life proving a change.

Feet following the heart.

Godly sorrow accompanying repentance.

More than a simple external alteration. A movement of mind, will and emotions.

Producing healthy fruit by dying to self in order to live for Christ.

Posted in Faith | Tagged Christianity, Grace, Jesus Christ, Salvation, Sharing Sundays | 25 Comments

Chip on my shoulder (how much does yours weigh?)

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Cristal

Passing by a church, I notice their sign.

A chip on the shoulder is a heavy weight to bear.

One small chip. Setting boldly and brashly.

Ever so closely to the ear to whisper its grievances.

Nursed and coddled. With the attention, the chip grows heavier.

Easily enraged. Even if it unseen. The blood boils and heart pounds.

One of our children was once verbally insulted by a trusted adult.

A stripping of innocence and violation of his conscience.

Defiling of the mind by vulgar and careless words.

A chip was quickly lodged on my shoulder.

A spoken forgiveness never traveling from my lips to my heart.

The burden of the cumbersome chip weighed me down.

Darkness accompanies the grievance.

An affliction on oneself by nurturing the weary load.

Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies. (St. Augustine)

Venom traveling through the veins. Contamination corrupting the conscience.

A choice must be made. Harbor the resentment. Drink the poison.

Or release the burden.

Embracing liberty and freedom.

Forgiveness is not an emotion.

Forgiveness is an act of the will.

And the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. (Corrie Ten Boom)

The soul feeling cold, but the warmth of a willing heart follows the act of pardon.

A spring of refreshment floods the spirit.

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. (Mark Twain)

Purging of darkness. Filling of Light.

Trusting God to heal and restore.

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14 AMP)

Giving the gavel back to the Judge.

Realizing my own need for forgiveness.

He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven. (Thomas Fuller)

And being released to live fully for Christ.

Without the weight of the chip on the shoulder, I’ve found it easier to refuse to tiptoe.

Posted in Faith | Tagged Christianity, Corrie Ten Boom, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace | 19 Comments

Temple Ruins (right here in Texas, y’all)

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Cristal

A few weeks ago, Caleb shared a news story over breakfast.

Mom, did you know the Houston Astrodome is falling apart?

I was unaware of the Astrodome’s demise.

The once-great Astrodome, known for years as the Eighth Wonder of the World, was home to the Houston Astros and the Oilers, playoff games at all levels, movie scenes, countless concerts and other events. The beloved dome, an iconic landmark to Houstonians, has morphed into an eyesore with an appearance inside that compares to the aftermath of a war zone. (The Astrodome: From Greatness to Ruin by Anna Megan-Raley)

Caleb felt the story worthy of discussion and continued with his own thoughts.

Then, two words from a child to summarize the situation.

Temple ruins.

Being all too familiar with the god of sports tempting us with its allure, Caleb pondered the many idols once worshiped in the seats of the great dome.

Even Elvis performed in the Astrodome.

Yet now, rats, wild cats and possibly snakes share the stage.

Enjoyment is becoming idolatrous when it is disproportionate to the worth of what is desired.

Great desire for non-great things is a sign that we are beginning to make those things idols. (John Piper)

At the moment, pleasures often seem justified. The enjoyment we figure we deserve.

Amusement, comfort and entertainment soon become displaced. Achieving a level of supremacy in the heart.

Gratification and self-indulgence reigning on the throne of one’s life.

An exchange is made. Substituting the natural for the eternal. Putting our trust and joy in the worldly.

A designing of our own god.

A corrupt value system of the soul.

And these temples we’re building,

the houses for our gods,

they will collapse as well.

We’ll be left with nothing but temple ruins.

If you value other things more than God, if your life is really driven by another value, then you exchange the imperishable for the perishable.

You trade the diamond for a peach forgotten at the back of the refrigerator.

You trade the ruby for a banana sitting in the sun.

You trade a bar of gold for a bolt rusting in the rain.

Flee from it.

Rescue people from it.

Don’t be afraid to name it.

(John Piper)

Photos courtesy of CBS Houston

Posted in Faith | Tagged Astrodome, Christianity, Faith, God, Jesus Christ, John Piper | 16 Comments

Mammon and the evil eye…mwahahaha

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Cristal

Last week, my pastor posted on his blog a reminder to protect our eyes.

The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:22-23)

This passage of Scripture has had one of the greatest impacts on my life. And his story has branded an image in my mind of the importance of protecting my spiritual eyes.

Outside of BK’s message, these words of Christ are often used solely to remind us to keep our eyes fixed on the pure and holy. And many assume only the obvious. Keeping the eyes away from wicked and evil. A list of no’s and do not’s. Steering clear from pornography and such. This is all very wise, indeed.

But, we often remove the eye verses from the context of the scriptures above and below.

And, as my friend Cody once advised when discussing this passage with me,

God isn’t attention deficit.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:19-21, 24)

Did Jesus have a moment of being scattered in His thoughts when He warned us to keep our eyes good in the midst of advising where to store treasures? A short attention span, maybe? And then getting back on track to return His conversation to the topic of possessions?

Surely not.

If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (Matthew 6:22b)

Single.

Unified and clear.

Unrivaled. Unshared. Undivided.

Sole vision ushering in soul health.

In union with Christ. With the Word. With treasures in heaven. Devoted to God.

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. (Matthew 6:23a KJV)

Evil.

Divided.

Serving another.

Treasures on earth.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24 KJV)

Mammon.

Confidence in wealth.

A filling of selfish gain.

Lust of flesh. Pride of life. Lust of eye.

Worldly riches and the applause of men.

The secular, sensual self in competition with the One True God.

Jesus puts the ball in our court.

The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness.

Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness.

If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light. (Luke 11:34-36)

Take heed. Listen. And obey.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. (Matthew 6:25 KJV)

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (Matthew 6:31 KJV)

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. (Matthew 6:34 KJV)

Take no consideration. The thought is readily available. Waiting to be grasped. Beckoning a welcome.

Take no thought.

And then, with all the no’s…

A yes.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

The take no thought becomes a distant struggle when we seek ye first.

With solitary and purposed vision.

United with God’s sight.

Full of Light.

Single-eye living with an undivided heart laying up treasures in heaven.

Posted in Faith | Tagged Bible, Christianity, Faith, Jesus Christ, Salvation | 16 Comments

My life as a souped-up town car

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Cristal

We were traveling last week when my boys noticed a town car in disguise. With extra large tires and added bling, it was definitely catching some attention.

Mom! Check this out!

A souped-up town car!

I caught a quick glimpse. Not my style.

And, I couldn’t help but think of how the town car’s makeover didn’t seem suitable for its original design.

My stepfather is a mechanic and taught me long ago to appreciate the goodness of proper auto care.

When every single sixteen year old girl in the whole wide world was carrying the super stylish (and long and heavy) key chains, I wasn’t allowed. Apparently, the extra weight swinging to and fro can wear out the ignition of an automobile. {I’m still working through the trauma of being hindered from looking cool when driving.}

I also learned that certain parts, including tires, were made for particular vehicles.

As we drove along last week, I thought back to my days of trying to be made-over by my own efforts. With attempts to disguise the real me, I’d make accommodations to suit the preferences and desires of others.

And, unfortunately, I’m not referring to copycatting the humble life of the apostle Paul.

Although I (Paul) am a free man and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people…To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19, 22)

When I met my husband (before he was my husband, of course), I immediately felt the need to fit in with his family, who often times have a different style. Not bad. Just inconsistent with mine. Nevertheless, I gave my best effort to alter my appearance. You know, to be more vogue.

But, it wasn’t me.

I was as out-of-place as the souped-up town car. Sporting awkward, and often ludicrous, parts and equipment, I surely caught some attention.

And, I certainly was not functioning properly.

I had a mega cool key chain weighing down my ignition.

My makeover wasn’t suitable for my original design.

And, thankfully, the Light exposed the deceit.

How cleansing to be disencumbered from the weight of heavy burdens.

Removing the mask.

Discarding the distorted desires.

Free from the phony and fraudulent.

Emancipated from the excessive.

Broken and poured out.

Living with purpose fully for Christ alone.

What about you?

Ever tried living like a souped-up town car?

Oh, and the photos of automobiles. They remind me of my pastor.

He enjoys renovating classics.

Not only cars. People, too.

Check out his blog: BK’s Blog

(photos via Flickr Creative Commons License)

Posted in Faith | Tagged Christianity, Faith, Family, Grace, Jesus Christ | 16 Comments

Discovering painted skies in a colorless day

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Cristal

Husband’s out of town. I’m holding down the fort.

Camden’s running fever. Tucking him in to bed, my weary mom cheek to his warm forehead, I pray for his comfort and healing.

The setting sun and rolling in of night hasn’t dampened Caleb’s lively spirit. Lego construction is in full force. Offering enticement to close his eyes, I agree to him falling asleep with me.

Crawling into bed. Exhausted. It’s late. Too late, really.

Another day ending.

Darkness prevents seeing with the eyes but not hearing with the heart.

Mommy, you should have seen the sunset today.

There were so many beautiful colors.

I almost came inside to get you.

But you were busy.

In the midst of a seemingly colorless strand of chores, a young boy discovered a sky painting.

One viewing only the pale tasks set before her.

The child’s eyes are opened to a celestial kaleidoscope.

One sees gray.

The boy uncovers the firmament adorned.

A grateful heart closing the book on another day.

Words of gratitude sprinkling the dark night with stars of grace.

I’m thankful I got to see the sunset, mommy.

And I’m going to write that in my joy journal.

Thank you for making homemade fish sticks tonight.

I’m writing that in my journal, too.

And the ice cream cookies.

His joy journal.

I’d forgotten. Mine untouched for days. Weeks.

Caleb, I don’t want to miss another painted sky.

Please, come get me next time.

So I can enjoy it with you.

A young smile felt through a warm snuggle. Then soft snores.

And probably Lego dreams.

I am thankful.

Regardless of a sink full of dishes, a laundry list of untouched chores, and a teenager with fever.

I embrace the giving of thanks.

Intentional gratitude.

Thanks living.

“I want to see beauty. In the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep.”
― Ann Voskamp

For more inspiration to embrace thanks living and discover painted skies…

Discovering beauty on the other side of the coin

When the small things turn big

Stablish, strengthen and settle

What winners need to lose