The beauty of MUSIC.

Don't you just love how songs/music can trigger memories?

The instant a tune comes on, it's like our brain time travels to either the first time we ever heard the song or the night we had the song on repeat as we sang along at the top of our lungs. Sometimes for me, songs don't necessarily take me back to just a specific day, but more so a flash back to the entire season in which that song was a personal favorite (or even most hated song), the most played on the radio or my own battle cry.

I think back on all the Lord has done in my life often. We're called to 'remember the days of old'. If ever frustrated, overwhelmed, stressed or even over joyed, at complete peace and in anticipation, I find myself reflecting. I then can't help to praise Him with such gratitude.

_____________________________

I wanted to write a blog in light of my recent marriage. I thought I'd have plenty to share as a newlywed, you know: the adjustments, the lessons learned, the blessings and adventures. However, I could not exactly get together an outline for what I should write about.

A couple of days later, Calvin and I found ourselves visiting my in-laws days before Thanksgiving Day. It was then, in their peaceful living room, that it dawned on me what I should write about. See, husband had a huge paper due for his masters class the night before Thanksgiving and as he was researching and typing away, I sat in that cozy living, sipping mama-in-love's famous hot cider, reading scripture, praying, then ending with time in worship.

[Worship means a great deal to me. Whether corporately worshipping or individually, with a Pandora station, Spotify, my guitar, a full band or A capella. Worship is a beautiful thing one should embrace daily. (Alright, alright, getting off the soap box..) Anyhow, isn't it great when Pandora or Spotify radio plays all your favorite jams back to back? It's even greater when you're in a state of worship.]

To begin, The Stand by Hillsong United came on the Pandora station I was listening to as I wrapped up my scripture reading that morning. Anyone remember that one? Most people only recognize it by the bridge: 'So I'll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned, in awe of the One who gave it all..' It's over 5 years old, and still so good. What an athem! As soon as this one came on, I was immediately brought back to my first couple years as a believer. My first church, first youth group, first 'Christian' friends and first mission trip; that entire season raced back through my mind. The memory of begin on my first Mexico Mission Trip back in '04 worshipping to this song while outside a few yards from our house building project became so vivid. I then began verbally thanking God for that first mission trip experience, my first home church, and the beginning stages of my walk with him. What a beautiful time, the first time you begin falling head over heels in love with God. Or as some refer to, experiencing that 'first love' season. As the first song was ending, highly anticipated the next, I took another sip of my hot cider and exhaled a, 'Thank you, God.'

That's when a Jesus Culture song title Rooftops started playing. I smiled. I am a Kim Walker fan. Some can do without her 'edgy, deep singing', however, the way she embraces worship motivates me and reminds me of the beauty of God's overwhelming presence when exalting His name. I'm all for that. Rooftops may not be as popular to some. Most know the 'How He Loves' version of Kim Walker, if anything. This song in specific reminded me of a milestone, I guess I could call it that, in my walk with Christ. Some would define it as a 'rededication'. See I didn't really know of Jesus Culture (it's a worship band based out of Redding, CA) or Kim Walker, or any other big worship bands/artists until after my sophomore year in college. At that time, my 'milestone', was letting go of a sinful lifestyle, idols and surrendering wholly to all God was calling me to. The most freeing experience of my life! With a heart renewed and fully surrendered to Christ, I began chasing after Him like never before. It was in this season that I learned so much & experienced so much more in my walk with God. All the while, listening to, learning to play/sing and leading others in worship to songs such as this one.

[The next song that came on spoke VOLUMES to me, as it speaks to my current season. But first, a quick background story.]

As Calvin and I navigated through all the 'new' of being married. (So far we are 5 months in! So far, SO GOOD!) You know, learning to adjust to the new permanent roommate, new daily schedules, new weekly routines, etc. We were slowly but surely getting the hang of living in our duplex, continuing to work as a team and serving one another as we also served the body of Christ. I worked full time as Calvin finished school. 2 months into our adjusting, God presented us with an opportunity. A big opportunity where everything would change. I wouldn't work, Calvin would. We wouldn't live in the same small town, we'd live in the city. We would be away from our immediate community of believers, we'd be closer to family. We prayed, we sought counsel and we knew that despite the big changes at hand, this was exactly where God was leading us.

Through out this season, God allowed one song to penetrate my heart like never before. Sure, we all can sing through most hymns with our eyes closed, however, this song in specific, wasn't just a hymn, but a rendition of a hymn. The first time I heard it was around the time we were presented with the opportunity that would bring lots of change. I wept. Songs and music also have a way, as many often say, to 'speak what cannot be expressed'. I had this song on repeat, A LOT. It was and still is my battle cry. (We are 2 weeks into this 'new' season. All is well and we continue to be confirmed in our calling to be here.) I knew that this was exactly what God had for us. (Even though change for me was hard, goodbyes are really hard and tears upon tears were shed.) However, I felt like more than ever I was being challenged to trust, to let go, and to proclaim that God is faithful and through it all I will serve Him, look to Him and live for Him.

My husband is now the lead pastor of a small church in the city. I am now a house wife and a proud puppy owner. (He got me a puppy before we moved, as a Christmas present!) I get to help Calvin in whatever way is needed with the church and our members are so encouraging. We are so excited about what God will do through this church!

I will be starting a NEW blog with insight on how we are doing, how the church is doing and ways you all can be praying for us. I will post again soon with a direct link to the new blog. Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing in the various seasons God has led me through. I hope you will, too, take a moment to remember, to praise Him and to trust Him with what is ahead.


Love,

Crystal Williams

Engaged. [Everything is different.]

Excuse me, it's been so long.

Allow me to blow the dust off this keyboard, get my thoughts together and get my fingers to typing.

It's been about a year and 2 months since I last blogged. If it wasn't for that 'nudge' you get to do things you enjoy or have missed, or for friends who have encouraged me to get at it again... I probably would have allowed even more time to go by in between this post and my last.

EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT!

A year ago..

I lived with a roommate and her dog.
I was a rookie Admissions Counselor.
I photographed as a pass time.
I led worship for the youth group at my church.
I was single.

Today...

I live with a different roommate.
(My pervious roommate is now happily married. And yes, I still see and spend time with Daisy. She's still cute and sassy.)
I recently got promoted to Senior Admissions Counselor.
(They must think I know what I'm doing after almost a full 2 years of experience. Most days I do. I'm so blessed and extremely grateful.)
I haven't photograhed in a while. :(
I no longer lead worship but do still participate on a praise team one Sunday of the month.
I have taken steps to eat healthier.
(Forsaking my love of pizza, Chick Fil A fries & Dr. Pepper as best I can.)
I am now a yogi in training.
(I started taking yoga classes about 2 months ago. It's addicting. I am a big fan.)
I have been blessed with the opportunity to host a girls bible study in my duplex once a week.
(They keep coming back (the ladies) and I'm glad. Sometimes, I don't know why, I feel so inadequate, but God knows why and I trust Him.)

I'm engaged.


Crazy all that can happen in a years time. Here I am typing this and glancing at my left hand every few seconds in amazement that a diamond ring is on my ring finger. The author and perfecter of my faith is so good and His timing, matchless. In His time, He has brought together two individual believers to be untied as one. And sometimes, I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GETTING MARRIED!! AND TO SUCH AN AMAZING MAN OF GOD. In my last blog post, Ketchup - Part 1 (my apologize that part 2 never came), I failed to mentioned I was still single at this time, and like the post previous to that one shared, I was content.

I am not here to throw those cliche phrases concerning this like, 'it'll happen when you least expect it', 'it will happen so fast', 'when you know, you know' or 'go out and mingle', etc. (Each story is so different and I've learned mine won't match that of another couple around me. Be you and constantly pursue the one who created you.) I am here simply to share God is faithful and HE is LOVE. And to share a verse that has been repeated in my head, time and time again, 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you'. - Matthew 6:33

God's love for you never changes. Whether you are in a 'good' or 'bad' season, single or taken, full time job or part time job. Though our circumstances can often change, God remains. He continues to call out to us throughout the seasons, inviting us to the ultimate LOVE relationship with Him. God still has my heart and I'm ever so in love. It's a beauty this whole courtship into marriage. I've gotten a greater revelation of what it is for Christ to love His church and lay His life down for us. 

His name is Calvin. And I'll share the story and a little more about him soon. I am one happy girl and I guess, that one annoying girl that keeps everyone updated on the countdown every 3 days or so. BUT I CAN'T HELP IT! 

#69days
#CrystalMarriesCalvin

A true love found is a love to be shared. 

Peace. Peace.

Crystal Lee

Discipline.

Discipline:

(noun) - training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mind or moral character.

Not always my favorite. The word discipline in today's age has become uncomfortable for some of us to even address. Discipline hurts. Discipline reveals to us we are not perfect and need a little while longer under the refiner's fire than we thought.

Hebrews 12:11

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Daisy, the precious dog in the picture from my previous blog, needs discipline like I need discipline. Weird analogy, maybe. But God is always speaking in various forms. Don't limit His voice to only being present in His Scriptures. God CAN and will use anything to speak to us! He spoke through a donkey once. For real.

Daisy is an indoor dog and is potty trained. She waits until we take her outside to take care of business. However, lately she has been going "potty" INSIDE!! Drives us nuts. It happened recently again and when I first spotted the mess, I yelled out, "DAISY!" I looked up and see her sitting on our kitchen mat, tail tucked under her legs, ears down and her eyes said it all. She knew better. After my 3rd "NO!", she began shaking. Shaking in fear. Daisy knows better and she also is aware of the consequences to this mistake. Now, don't think we are horrible dog owners or that we abuse our dog, we don't. I mean just look at her she is too cute! Daisy was punished for her action. She paid the consequence of disobeying. Afterwards, she slowly followed behind me as I walked around the house. She did the same as I would after getting a spanking, cry to mama or daddy. Though Daisy was disciplined, she followed me and still desired to be around me because she knows I love her, provide for her and care for her. I don't like disciplining her but I still love her. Nothing will change that. I couldn't help but still pay attention to her following behind me and give in to bending down and loving on her. Discipline is important and necessary but in the same way, God still pays attention to me and loves on me. He still desires to show me right from wrong. 

God spoke to me in that moment and brought back to my attention my sin, my mistakes and my short comings. I am admitting to you all now that when I give in to the sin that can so easily entangle me, I desire nothing more than to be back in the safe arms of my Father. I know clearly the wrong I have done, I am aware there are consequences and that God can not be mocked but even then I can not stand to be away from my provider, my care taker and my true love. I once heard someone say, "If we truly understood the Gospel, our sin wouldn't keep us from the cross, but all the more draw us to it." God has unconditional love for us. Nothing can separate us. Now, please understand that I agree 100% with Paul when he is speaking to the church in the book of Romans about not continuing in sin because we know grace will abound. If you have read that passage before, I encourage you to read The Message version also, it paints a good picture. 

So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! 

If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!

We all have discipline to go through, lessons to learn. When God is showing me the parts of me that could use some refining, it's not always fun. However, I know He disciplines because He loves. This temporary suffering or discipline doesn't compare to an eternity with my Creator. If you've done wrong, ask for forgiveness, let it go and cling to Jesus. Get so wrapped up in Him that you don't even desire anything else...

Are you being corrected? Molded? Perfected?
Open up your heart and let God do what He does best. 

Crystal Lee.

Ketchup!

It's time. It's time to KETCHUP! (Catch up.)

Without further a due, allow me to catch you up.

[Trying to figure out how to fit everything into this post, I realized, I ramble and this might end up being a 2 part blog... 

yeah, let's go with that.]

KETCHUP Part I.

When people ask me, "What is the God currently doing in your life?", "What has the Lord been teaching you?" or my favorite, "What season are you in spiritually?" I have various answers. Sometimes more than one. I don't think God is up there with a weekly binder thinking to himself, "This week, Crystal and I need to go over patience. Once we get that done, we will move on to fasting." God is in charge and I'm just his workmanship. No lesson is just for one day. No season in life happens only once. (Not saying there aren't those "once in a lifetime" moments. But after all, there isn't anything new under the sun, right?)

God is currently demonstrating His faithfulness/provision in my life.

(As He has many times before.)

The Lord is teaching me how to get rid of idols in my life.

(Don't be shocked. You have them too.)

Last but not least, I'm in a season of NEW. Ketchup Part I will be about my current season.

It seems like I have lots of new going on right now. It's overwhelming and I feel so undeserving but I'm so grateful that God knows and meets my needs way before I think to ask him to.

I still have the job I spoke about in  my last post.

I work for my Alma Marter.

I still live in a duplex.

But I have a new roommate. Well, two if we count Daisy... and I always count Daisy. Daisy is my new roommate's puppy. I love this puppy. (My roommate says Daisy has magic powers to make everyone like her... I'll be honest, at first I didn't believe her. Everyone I have brought over to our house since then has fallen in love with Daisy. -__- We're convinced, she uses her doggy voodoo.)

God always takes care of His children. When something in my life starts falling apart I freak out! Most of the times, okay every time, I worry more often than I pray and I try to put everything back together instead of moving out of the way and allowing God to come through like He promises to. Of course, after all my failed attempts, God flings wide open a door that I wasn't expecting and provides in a way that exceeds my expectations. My new roommate is one of those. 

When I had to be on the hunt for a new roommate, I was nervous. I hesitated to just let any random gal live with me! I'm a strong believer of the home being a place of harmony, peace, rest and love. I didn't want a divided home, drama, chaos or darkness. (Sounds harsh, but hey, it's the truth.) There were 2 gals that seemed interested to move in. Both I knew very well and each I know I could have lived with comfortably. Would have been easy and comfortable to have a familiar face move in. Easy peasy. But if things were always easy and comfortable, we wouldn't grow. Within the same week, both ladies told me they each decided to live elsewhere. (Nothing crazy happened, just didn't work out. Still LOVE them both and can't wait to see them again.) So I was back at square 1. Rent was due soon and I needed a roommate. By this time, I knew God had a stranger in mind to move in. My nerves multiplied as I gave up on arranging this myself. By word of mouth my new roommate heard of the extra room I had available and how I was in search of  a roommate. Turns out, after a series of crazy events, she too was in dire need of a roommate and new place to live. Met her (via phone call) December 25th. Met her in person January 1st. She signed the lease January 1st. Rent is due January 1st. Yep, peace all over that situation. When God moves, there's peace, folks. Lots of it. The story of NEW and God's incredible provision doesn't stop there. See, for a couple of months prior to this, I had been praying for God to bring me a spiritual sister, specifically someone who had the same believes as I did, someone who would sharpen me, someone who would be as Barnabas was to Paul, an encourager. Since day 1, my roommate and I have had those conversations the Bible talks about, you know, the salty ones! "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt...". For real, we could talk about God all night long. Love it. One of the first nights we both had some down time, we brewed a pot of coffee, sipped it and talked. She shared her testimony and I followed with mine. As I sat there in mid conversation with her, God whispered to me, "She's the answer to your prayer." He then reminded me of my prayer from months back. PRAISE GOD! How silly of me to fear the unknown, when it was the very way God had designed to answer a prayer I prayed from the depths of my heart. <3 He sweeps me off my feet.

God already knows how He's going to meet your need before you even come to realize what that need is. Like I said, no season is new. I believe at times we may find ourselves in a similar season from before just maybe due to a different circumstance than before. When needs arise in my life, some unexpected, I am always brought to 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you." 

My season of new doesn't end here. On the contrary, God keeps blessing me with new things, both tangible things and non tangible things. When needs are met, I am reminded by God, "Be faithful." God says, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful with big things." In other words, continue being faithful with what God has given you and watch Him bless you. He really is a good God. 

This is getting long, I could go on forever.

God has provided in amazing ways.

Next time you see me, ask me about my new car.

I leave you with Daisy. Warning: You may fall in love.

"For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so my ways are higher than your ways

    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:9

Crystal Lee. 

PS. To the readers that have asked me when I would blog next or if I stopped blogging, thank you. This one is for you! I'm constantly encouraged by readers and their response to my blogs. 

Single.

Summer is way long gone. Well, sort of. 

The summer job ended very well. (It was a temporary position.) 

I have relocated.. again. (I miss that dear family that hosted me all summer.) 

I am now living with a roommate in a duplex, have a big girl job and bills due sporadically through out the month. My job is great; I enjoy what I do. I am also heavily involved with my church and am absolutely grateful for the opportunity to serve.

Status? Single.
I know what you're thinking... "This must be her I'm single and ready to mingle blog."
*insert wrong answer buzzer noise here* Negative.
or... "She's about to vent about how she can't stand being single and wishes she had someone."
*insert wrong answer buzzer noise here* Try again.
or... "She's a super Christian and this is her personal book review on 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'" 
Once again, wrong. (Never read that book.)

A cup of cold water.

Before I lose my train of thought, I'm going to jump right into what I want to share.
The details on how I've been, how the job is going and whats new in life may not make it on this blog.
(Picture blog IS coming. Really. Eventually... hopefully.)

I worked about 45 minutes extra today. Everyone was gone. Most of the building was dark as those who left the building turned off the lights, closed the doors and locked up behind them. I could hear someone moving around in an office down the hall from me, so I knew I wasn't completely alone, yet. After finishing up some phone calls, I noticed a mileage log we keep for the company van was left by my desk. "I should take this to the van before I leave." Clearing my desk off, I jump out of my chair and headed to the break room. After making sure all lights/appliances were turned off, I took a different door out to the back parking lot where the van was last parked. As I turned the corner towards the long hallway leading to the exit, I noticed the only light visible was the natural light coming in from the glass door. My eyes immediately spotted a man bending down right outside the door. Half way down the dark hallway, I froze in my footsteps when I realized who he was and what he was doing.

Homeless. Clearly, he was homeless. Other than the clothes and shoes he had on, he had nothing else with him but the ball cap on his head and the shirt he had in his hands. Bent down near the water faucet outside the building, I realized the man was washing the shirt.

Frozen, I didn't continue on my journey to the parked van that was probably 100 feet away from him. I didn't continue on outside to assist him in any way possible. I didn't run and hide in my office. I didn't turn around and choose to take a different exit to the parking lot. Frozen I remained.

My mind was frozen too. My heart wasn't. As a matter a fact, it felt like my heart was the only thing still working. I could feel my heart beat faster and faster. My mind caught up right after as possible answers to the typical question we all ask ourselves when we see a homeless person flashed in my mind like a huge neon sign. "What should I do?" 
"Pray?"/"Talk to him?"/"Do I have cash on me?"/"Is there food in the break room?"/"Is there clothes anywhere?"/"Should I give him soap?"/"Cold water?"

I was remind of the how hot it must be outside as he stood up from the faucet and exchanged the shirt he was wearing for the wet one. "Wearing that wet button up shirt must be refreshing", I thought to myself, as I watched him, once again, bend down and begin washing his second shirt.
I asked God, once again, "What do I do?".
I heard: Cold water.

"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew 10:42 

I was reminded of the cold water bottles we had stocked in the next building. Just as fast as I froze in my footsteps, I took off for the next building. Although I lost sight of the homeless man, I knew he would stay occupied washing his shirt for the next few minutes. I get into the next building and grab 2 cold water bottles. Still not knowing what I would say or do after handing the man the 2 bottles of cold water, I quickly unlock the door closest to the water faucet where my eyes had last witnessed the man. I pushed the door open to find a huge puddle of water and a closed faucet.

I was too late. He was gone. My heart sank. Further down than it had when my eyes first spotted the man. Tears came to my eyes. The many questions and concerns followed.

Why did I just freeze there in the middle of the hallway for so long? I've seen homeless people before.
Why wasn't I quick to act? I should have first spoken to him then gotten what he needed for him.
Where did he go? Surely he couldn't have gone far.
God, why didn't you give me at least 1 more minute to spare? I should have ran faster.
I had so much more to offer than cold water, yet frozen I stood for what seemed like 10 minutes, but in reality was probably only 3. Still, the tears ran down my eyes. My heart broken for the homeless man that was now walking down a street somewhere with a wet shirt on his back and one in his hand.

I ran around the building. I didn't want this to be the ending to the story. I looked down the alley between our two buildings, glanced around the surrounding parking lots, hoping I'd spot him at a distance. I was determined to act now, but there was no one in sight. With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes I walked back inside, got my stuff from the office and walked to my car. The whole ride home I played the event over and over in my head.

Guys (and gals), I don't know why I froze. I'm not even sure why I'm sharing all of this. I also don't know why this caused the reaction in me that it did. I see and help clients with a low income daily at work. For some reason this one man and this one incident really shook me.

I heard God tell me, rivers of living water. Not only can we offer a glass (or bottle) of cold water but we, as believers have the LIVING water to give out that no man would ever thirst again.

"But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14.

I also was reminded of the selfishness we walk in sometimes. As I got home -an air conditioned shelter, stocked with food and water - I couldn't help but ask for forgiveness of my "I want more" "I need new" "I gotta have" attitude.

A missed opportunity... maybe. But a lesson learned... definitely. I am praying that as scales continue to fall from my eyes, that God would continue giving me HIS heart for people (even if it means crying over every homeless person I see from now on) and continuous opportunities to demonstrate that love through either an encouraging word, a faith filled prayer or maybe, simply a cup of cold water.

Ask God to give you His heart for those around you, homeless or not. Make the most out of every opportunity. Don't hesitate. Give. Serve.

Love.

Crystal Lee.

Attitude.

So, it's been 2 weeks since my relocation and to say the least: I REALLY enjoy my summer job. I'm definitely still getting used to the new town (I've gotten lost a few times.), new living arrangements (I have my own bathroom! For a girl, that's huge.), new schedule (My sleeping schedule is way off. I miss naps.) and new community (as in fellowship). I'm adjusting pretty well. There's definitely new adventures infused in each day!* I welcome them all. 

I've come to the realization, we will end up labeling many things/seasons in our lives based on our perspective. Allow me to further explain.

Whats your perspective? Good? Bad? Another way to ask is, how's your attitude? Checked it lately? Choosing to have a good attitude or perspective about something makes all the difference sometimes. That "something" may be a job, a friendship, a circumstance, the daily traffic jam, the long to-do list, a feud or life itself! To turn from a negative attitude towards a positive one is one of the most productive and rewarding things you can do. Try it. 

Although initially a little worried and nervous about relocating for the summer, I've learned these 2 things to be true: 

1. Take it a day at a time / 2. Stay positive & grateful.

I heard a preacher once say: "You're worried or depressed? Start counting your blessings and watch your anxious heart turn into a grateful heart." Sometimes, it really does bottle down to our attitude. This week at work, one of my supervisors shared a few paragraphs with the staff from a book she's reading: Every Day Deserves A Chance by Max Lucado. The title is pretty revealing. Each day we are given a chance to grow, learn, experience and embrace. But negative attitudes can almost always get in the way of that. The portion she read were excerpts from a dog's diary in comparison to a cat's diary. Intresting, huh? Of course the dog's diary was more exciting and joyfully receptive to the days schedule. While the cat's diary was more... well, negative and a bit ungrateful. (Read the diary excerpts here)

Max Lucado challenges readers with this last paragraph:

"The day of a dog. The day of a cat. One content, the other conniving. One at peace, the other at war. One grateful, the other grumpy. Same house. Same circumstances. Same master. Yet two entirely different attitudes. "

We all share the same 24 hours. Time is no different for me, as it is for you. My schedule may look different today than it did 2 months ago, but my mindset must remain positive. After all, my Master is Jesus Christ, the King of Kings! I'm in His hands, despite whatever circumstance I find myself in today or will find myself in the months to come. I don't wish to live with a negative mindset that when I look back on this season, all I am able to recall are the things that went wrong, the sad times or the frustrating times. I choose to remain positive even if I do spend a Friday at work washing dirty, smell tarps after driving all over Longview in a 15 passenger van, lost! (Some frustrating moments, later, become the funniest stories to share!) I will not look back on this season of my life and only recall negative memories, but gratefully recall the wonderful moments I was able to experience due to the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2). May you be encouraged to remain positive/grateful and challenged to renew your mind when negativity begins to cloud it.

Time stops for no one. 

The same sun rises and sets over all creation. 

God is always good and always faithful, no matter what. Trust Him.

^ May that be the motivation you seek to remain positive, day in & day out. 

Crystal Lee.

*Picture blog w/my latest adventures coming soon. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile: Find me on Instagram > crysleelopez