Don't Be Labeled

Don't Be Labeled

Who are you?  Really, really you.  Have you stopped to think about what makes you...YOU?  Why are you the way you are?  What makes you act in the way that you do?  Are you concerned about what others think of you?  Are YOU one of the ones that put that pressure on someone to be concerned about what others think?  OUCH!  Tough questions, but things that we must ask ourselves in order to dig deeper into whom we are and whose we belong.

Image is huge in today's society.  We are trying to reproduce or imitate things that "society" says is 'hip' and 'cool.'  By living this way, labels are developed and slapped onto people that do not "fit" in the current image society has set or they're slapped on so that we can "fit" in.  There are so many labels that the world puts on you...too many to list.  Not all labels appear to be in negative form.  Some may set such unrealistic expectations for you that it is impossible to ever be that.  Others are very much ugly and hurtful.  Ones that exclude, isolate and set you apart from what is considered 'living the life!'  Are you striving to live up to those labels?   Maybe not so much on purpose, but perhaps it's just been said of you for so long that you begin believing it for yourself.  So you begin living according to the label or labels that have been slapped onto you.  Is it true of what's on the inside?  Positively...NO!  I have an analogy that I had the opportunity to share with a young lady just about 4 years ago about how we do not have to live according to what the world has labeled us with.  Here's what I shared with her...

I asked her what her favorite canned food was and she replied with, "Peaches."  OK.  How do you know how to buy a can of peaches?  She said, "By seeing the label."  Of course that's how we know that, but do we absolutely believe that to be true by just the label?  What if I took a can of peaches and took off it's true label slapping on a "not so appetizing" one...say dog food.  "Eeeewww, gross!" she said.  Of course it's gross but stick with me.  I take that can of mislabeled peaches and put them in their rightful place on the shelf at the grocery store.  How many people will judge that can by its label?  Probably... most likely... every person who goes to buy peaches.  That can will be pushed aside, reached over, scooted with dislike to the back of the shelf.  Is the contents of that can of peaches any different than any other can of peaches?  ABSOLUTELY NOT but no one knows this until the contents are revealed when it has been opened up.  Then and only then the truth of the can is discovered.  The trueness of the peaches are pleasing and enjoyed.  Why, peaches were you hiding behind a label that contained you to a point that you were not able to enjoy or be enjoyed?

We are very much like that can of peaches.  We get stripped of who we are through hurts and/or disappointments in our lives and we feel very vulnerable in a weak way.  The world, which always has its label maker handy, begins to slap different labels on us.  Labels that are not true of us.  They hide what is truly inside.  But if we allow God to take us, go through the process of label removing with Him then our trueness begins to be revealed.

God's Imprint

You have a creator who designed you just the way you are and YOU ARE ENOUGH!  Psalm 139:14 declares, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."  You are a unique expression of God's love in this world.  Nowhere on Earth is there anyone with exactly the same bright eyes, loving arms that hold, hands that do, feet that go, life to live. You...are...uniquely...you!  Every physical quality...or flaw as we sometimes call it,  is absolutely designed to fit just you.  Inner qualities are also very much designed specifically just for you!  These are what make you special and different.  The way you laugh, the tenderness of your heart, the care and concern that show through your bright eyes as you listen to others, your smile alone...warms and welcomes others.

You do not need to be labeled to be like anyone else.  You do need to be YOU just as God imprinted Himself all over you to be just YOU!  Absolutely no one else can do that except for YOU!  You are an original, which is priceless...YOU are priceless!  Be the wonderful YOU that God has designed for you to be, being confident in yourself through Christ.  2 Corinthians 7:16 says, "I am glad I can have complete confidence in you."  And Jeremiah 17:7 says, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him."

We will be blessed by God when we allow Him to remove the labels from our lives so that His Perfect imprint on our lives will be exposed, seen and able to be lived out.  God's imprint is not removable.  It does not come off.  It is YOU.  He created your inmost being; He knitted you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13.) He knew you before You were YOU!

You are wonderfully, uniquely, fantastically, wonderously...YOU!  Live it.  Only you can!

Take Care and Be Blessed,
Christy Krezman
Rosette Ministry 

Hope in God's Promises

Hope in God's Promises

God 's character is:

 Holy, Just, True, Gracious, Faithful, Pure, Righteous, Steadfast, Loyal, Honest, Loving, Good, Honorable, Merciful, Compassionate, Almighty.  

These are just some of the amazing and wonderful truths about God and most of us have heard all of the attributes listed, but have we really stopped to consider what these "words" truly mean?  I love to open up the old Webster Dictionary just to see the meanings behind words that we use so loosely on a daily basis.  What I found was amazing...especially when I knew I was looking up words that describe our God.

God is HOLY : exalted; worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness; divine=supremely good; of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God.

God is JUST : acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good; Righteous; genuine=actual, true.

God is TRUE : Steadfast; Loyal; Honest; Just.

God is GRACIOUS : godly; pleasing; acceptable.  Marked by kindness and courtesy.  Graceful.  Marked by tact.  Characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit; Merciful; Compassionate.

God is FAITHFUL : full of faith; steadfast in affection or allegiance; Loyal; firm in adherence to promises; given with strong assurance.

God is PURE : spotless; free from what vitiates (corrupts, misdirects), weakens, or pollutes; containing nothing that does not properly belong.  Free from moral fault or guilt; ritually clean.

God is RIGHTEOUS : free from guilt or sin; morally right.

God is STEADFAST : firmly fixed in place; immovable. Not subject to change.  Firm in belief, determination, or adherence; Loyal.

God is LOYAL: unswerving in allegiance; faithful to a private person whom fidelity is due.  

God is HONEST : free from fraud or deception.  Legitimate, truthful; Genuine, real.  Humble; Reputable, respectable.  Good.  Worthy, creditable, praiseworthy, marked by integrity.

God is GOOD : of a favorable character or tendency; that can be relied on.  Honorable; deserving of respect.

God is HONORABLE : Deserving of honor.  A showing of usually merited respect; recognition.  An evidence or symbol of distinction;  Purity.  Integrity=(an unimpaired condition; soundness; the quality or state of being complete or undivided.)

God is MERCIFUL : full of mercy.  Compassion or forbearance (patience) shown especially to an offender.  A blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.

God is COMPASSIONATE : having or showing compassion=sympathetic consciousness (the quality or state of being aware of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.)

God is ALMIGHTY: God =the supreme or ultimate reality; as the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshipped as creator and ruler of the universe.  

Is not such a God to be trusted?  Why is it so difficult for us to joyfully trust and rely upon Him?  To trust Him in ALL things...not just the big things or the things that we know that we need His help with?

All of these things that God are, are also His Promises to us.  If we only would put our hope in Him as we fix our eyes upon Him.  There's so many reasons why we drift our focus from the Lord...perhaps it hurts, disappointments, impatience, guilt and shame or just the idea of thinking that we can handle it ourselves (we do with everything else anyway.)  So, we move ahead steadily...so it may seem.  We become almost mechanical in our living just to get through our day..."Get that done...check.  Drop kids off at school...check.   Work...check.  Clean...check.  Do this...check.  Do that...check.  Repeat, repeat, repeat...check, check, check!!

Where is our hope when we live like this?  When we put our hope in our spouse, children, family or in our awesome problem solving skills we are let down everytime when they don't meet our need. Let me tell you, these were not meant to be the true everlasting hope that God intended for us to strive for.  Proverbs 11:7 says, "Hope placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing."  It's not fair to our loved ones or even to ourselves when we put all our hope in them.  They're incapable to meet the need that Christ has set only for  Himself to meet.

What is hope?  According to good ol' Webster, it's the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled; it's where we look to someone on which our expectations are centered.

Wow, it's where our expectations are centered!  Who is the center of your life?  Who is the One that will be Immovable, Trustworthy, Honorable, Compassionate, Good, Honest, Loyal, Steadfast, Righteous, Pure, Faithful, Gracious and Almighty in ALL of your times?

Hope is a promise=a declaration that one will do something specified; a reason to expect something.

Christ and Christ alone is the One who can truly keep ALL His promises.  We can trust and expect that in our lives today.  When we are struggling in some difficult trials, hard circumstances or we are just somewhere dark and have lost our way for a bit, God's Word is FULL of His promises which should encourage us to place our Hope in Him.

Psalm 119:50 says, "My comfort in my suffering is this:  Your promises preserves my life."

When life is sour and getting bad, Jesus just pours Himself over us preserving us for His Glory while we are being filled in abundance of all that He is.

Hebrews 10:36 says, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."

Following Christ in our struggles and trials is hard.  It's not always an easy road to take.  It may even require us to face fear head on.  Grab hold of His extended Hand.  He will show us where to walk and how to walk.  There may be times that we are at a crawl because things are just too thick to take steps but that's alright because as long as we keep moving forward we are moving closer to Him through Him.  Little is much when God is in it!

Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."

Take hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.  That means a steady, firm, unfaltering grip.  We securely and solidly fix ourselves in place of that hope and don't let go because of God's faithful promises.

Psalm 145:13 declares, "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations.  The LORD is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does."

Christ's finished work upon the cross secured this True Hope for you and I.  It is absolute, constant, and immovable...all this is yours and mine.  Jesus is enough. Nothing else will do.  When we fix our eyes upon Christ with a blessed hope, no matter what circumstance is happening or what journey we are on, Jesus is enough...He will fill our hearts with JOY! Unspeakable joy.  Joy everlasting.  1 Thessalonians 2:20 tells us, "Indeed, you are our glory and joy."  Jesus is our joy!

All things in our life, big or small, is important to Christ.  He is always there for us.  Always ready and more than willing.  We need reminded often of just how Massive He truly is.  All those Truths of God's character is more than anyone or anything else could even possibly try to promise us and remain faithful in that promise.  The same God that sent His only Son to die upon an old rugged Cross, only to be raised to life on the third day is the same God that loves you so tenderly, genuinely and completely.  The same power that enabled Jesus to shed His blood for our sins is the same power that lives in us should we accept Christ as our Savior.

Problems, situations, circumstances don't change or lessen in this world, but as we trust God more the more confident in our faith in Him will be.  Trusting God for the ability to enjoy our days despite all else.

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:19

"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy."  Psalm 126:5

"...yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."  Habakkuk 3:18

Friends, God does not waste anything!!

There is one last Scripture that I would like to leave you with as an encouragement to your hearts, but know that this is a sweet promise from your Heavenly Father for you...

"We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and shield.  In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust His holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."  Psalm 33:20-22

Take Care and Be Blessed,

Christy Krezman
Rosette Ministry

When Famine Hits Our Souls

Famine: extreme scarcity of food; a shortage; hunger.

Famine causes calamity, catastrophe, disaster and tragedy.

This is very true of our physical being but it is also very true of our spiritual being.  It is vital in our walk with God to feed on His Word daily to receive the nutrients that He provides for us as we journey through life.  His Word is food for our Soul.  Scripture tells us that we do not live on bread alone but on God's Word (Luke 4:4) and it refers to it being our bread of life (John 6:4) as well as pure milk for those who are new believers (1 Peter 2:2).  We must hunger and thirst for righteousness, for then we shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).

Well, life happens and we all live it. We all have jobs to do, activities to be active in, hobbies to enjoy, families to love and care for, perhaps school to attend and the list can go on and on.  Things are good.  Things are fine.  Things are OK.  Then, things are not so good...not so fine...not so OK.  What seemed to have happened to get us here?  We were once in a place where things were lush and green, life was going well.  Prosperous and fruitful.  We were feeling satisfied and well taken care of.  Perhaps it was heartache, loss, disappointment, stress, disobedience, busyness or any other stuff that may have come our way distracting us from God and His life-line to our souls.  It's easy to get to this point really.  We don't feel it right away.  It's one skip of reading the Bible...one skip of quiet time with God...one skip of going to church because who's really going to miss us anyway?!...one skip of saying a prayer because God knows everything anyways...one skip of Bible Study because we didn't finish our lesson plus WE ARE TOO TIRED!...one skip...one skip...one skip and before we know it we've skipped our way right into barren land. We are smack center in the desert and we wonder, "How in the world did we get here, Lord?"

No matter how we find ourselves in deserted, barren land with a famine within our souls, God will meet us right where we are.  We do not have to go wondering around looking for Him. However, we are in this dry and barren land that now needs to be nourished in order to be productive.  I am no farmer by any means but I do know that no crop of any kind can or will grow in a ground that is hard, dry,  and unfertilized by nutrients.  God does not want us to starve spiritually so He does what every good parent does...He equips us with what we need to be healthy.  This is not always a pleasant or comfortable process, but it is very necessary for us to become strong again.

Like a farmer preparing a field for a crop, he must first turn over the ground.  Our dry and barren land that we stand upon must be broken turning it over multiple times.  This must be done by rows of razor sharp discs pulled by a tractor navigated by the farmer.  He is very precise in how he is driving the tractor and very careful on how those discs enter the ground breaking it up.  He is not angry, upset or disappointed in the land.  He is not taking pleasure to be causing this disruption but he cares very much for the land and knows that is very much needed for it to be productive.  He sees the potential in the land and works the land getting it to its potential.  He continues by nurturing it and tending to it consistently.  Pruning...weeding...plucking out dead plants...watering it until the land has finally become rich in soil, crops deeply rooted producing much fruit.

The same is true of us.  We are like the dry and barren land that is in much need of being broken and turned over by God's grace.  It's not always easy, comfortable and many times we absolutely do not even like it, but God loves us far too much to leave us spiritual starved.  While we are in the middle of being "disced" we have hope and the promise of Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."  This is also a time where trust in His work comes in.  We need to put our trust in Him knowing that He is working in us for our good for His purpose in our lives.  Psalm 27:14 encourages us, "Trust in the LORD.  Have faith, do not despair.  Trust in the LORD."  Through our struggles, our hardships our faith is being  tested.  We can fix our eyes on Christ allowing Him to prepare us to become rich in soul, deeply planted and producing much fruit.  In order to get to that point we must go through the transforming part of "discing, ground breaking, pruning, weeding, and plucking".  Through all of this God's sweet grace is always upon us, watering and feeding us with such True nutrients. 1 Corinthians 15:10 says, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.  No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." We are who we are because of Christ.  Praise Him!  We are better!

We've fixed our eyes on God putting our trust in Him with ALL of our BARRENNESS.  Our faith has grown.  Our soul is rich...we are deeply rooted in Him.  We are growing and producing fruit sharing it with others who need to feed from our life story and sharing what God has done for us.  Wow!  God is so good...all the time!  Psalm 145:9 exclaims, "God is good to one and all; everything He does is suffused with grace."

You are beautiful!

 

 

 Trust Him.  Believe in Him.  Fix your eyes on Him in your time on struggle.  He will see you through it, Beautiful!

Take care & Be blessed,

Christy Krezman
Rosette Ministry

OUR STORY

 Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News [of salvation from the bondage and penalty of sin] to everyone, everywhere."

 

Every single one of us has a valuable story to tell...a story that will impact a life of one or lives of many.  We may be hesitant in sharing our story with others because we're shy and feel awkward or perhaps we feel as if it's just too trivial that it wouldn't have an effect on anyone.  How would it help someone else?  Perhaps we struggle with the heaviness of guilt and shame of our story that we shrink back and don't dare to even think about mentioning these past experiences with anyone.  Psalm 34:5 gives us something to be encouraged and bold about, "Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces."  

Isn't that encouraging to know that no past experience, no amount of guilt or shame can darken our faces if we only look to Him for help.  He will lift us up, pouring forgiveness and grace upon us as we seek Him with all our heart.  Then we will radiate with JOY!  Praise God!

Our life story can help others who are trapped where we once were.  We are not the only ones who ever experience hardships in life...discouragements...hurts...sorrow...regrets...guilt.  Friends, the enemy would love for you to believe that you are very much alone in your "horrendous" situation.  That no one would ever understand what you are going through.  But that is a bald face LIE!  

For those of us who are believers in Christ, we have a hope and an assurance in knowing that He will see us through each and every situation.  Though because of our flesh it is still very difficult to Trust and Obey.  That's where our Faith needs to come in and be strong.  Our faith becomes strengthened by others who have experienced what you are going through, who have been there and seen it through to the end victorously with Christ Jesus. 

Jesus said to 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.'  What does that mean in sharing our story?  Yes, many go afar traveling on mission trips sharing the love of Jesus, however, distance doesn't mean that you're not already on a mission field.  We really don't have to go that far.  And as far as preaching, it's really only conversation with one another what the LORD has done for you through your circumstances...His Truth...His Promises...His Love.  

Christ will put people in our lives, intersecting our paths and forming webs of connections.  They can be people we see on a regular basis doing life or perhaps complete strangers that 'pop' into our lives.  However He is having our paths cross there is always an opportunity to share Jesus even if a word is never spoken.  

Slowing down in our rush of errands and tasks to look people in their eyes; genuinely greeting the cashier by their name as we check out of the supermarket; speaking with kindness and grace to those who are around us wherever we are; being courteous and waving at our neighbors instead of quickly driving into the garage and closing it immediately behind us; basically treating others as we would desire to be treated ourselves.  Thinking of them before ourselves and allowing Christ to flow through us to bless their lives.  We must love Jesus first and love Jesus most because we cannot do anything affective without Him.

As we consistently, purposefully live our lives this way on the "mission field" , then people will see something different within you.  Something that is of hope & encouragement to them.  They desire that for themselves wanting that unspeakable peace that is upon you. [Opportunity.]  God will guide and direct.  He will prepare hearts.  We need only to be obedient and share our life story.  No worries on what to say or how to say it, that's why God sent the Holy Spirit to intercede for us.  To fill us with all that He is. We'll lack nothing as long as we put our trust in Him and let Him lead us through. 

Psalm 37:23:24, "The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD, He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand."

Whenever we are blessed to have an opportunity to share our life story with people and they hear our story then they are offered a chance.  A chance to identify and understand that they are not alone.  A chance to release all that they have been carrying to the Most High.  A chance to be loved on by the most loving and gracious King.  A chance to loosen their chains.  A chance to begin their own healing through Christ Jesus! 

Within each of us is our own personal journey that is waiting to be shared.  Are you willing to allow God to use it to help others?

Take care & be blessed, 

Christy Krezman

Rosette Ministry 

Comfort While Patiently Waiting

Isaiah 40:3-5, 6-8

"Make a highway for the LORD through the wilderness.  Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills.  Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots.  Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together."

"...people are like the grass that dies away.  Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in the field.  The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the LORD.  And so it is with people.  The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."

God never gives up on us, no matter if we are struggling through the wilderness or wondering aimlessly in the desert.  No matter our situation or circumstance or things we've done. God NEVER gives up on us!  The punishments of these things will end.  God will restore us.  He meets us right where we are, just as we are.  He gives us the strength, courage and endurance to clear out the obstacles in our lives so that we  are able to reveal that highway in the wilderness and that road in the desert to follow.  We wonder aimlessly and get lost   only because we've taken our eyes off of Him who directs and leads us.  We start off great...so we think...skipping down that path like it's the yellow brick road.  We've got all our necessities on us...handbag stocked with all the proper girly stuff, refreshments for the trip, good looking walking shoes...everything that we think we need for our journey.  But we've decided to bring a little something extra, our PAST!  We're just tugging it or carrying a little something, something...but honestly, it's a load!  It's much too much for us to carry so we scrunch it up like in those infomercial vacuum sealed bags.  WOW!  Look it there!  We just condensed it making more space for more stuff!  PILE IT ON!

Well, eventually that load has become a mountain but we keep on our journey determined that we can handle it.  Each step that we take tugging at and pulling our load, things begin to seep out falling onto the path.  Sometimes we see it happening, but think that it's OK, it's only a little.  No one will really notice.  Everyone has a minor breakdown here and there.  But continuously it is happening whether we recognize it or not.  All the while we are polluting the path making it harder and harder to take a step.  We become exhausted because we have created an obstacle course.  We look back and remembered all the times that our "stuff" seeped out and spilled over, but what can we do about it now?  We keep trying to move forward the best we can.  We are still ever determined and white-knuckled as ever totting this load behind us. We notice that the path is gone...outta sight.  It's still there, it wasn't destroyed or removed, it's just completely and totally covered up with our life "stuff."  We have no direction to go. No compass to follow because we once had clearance to look upward toward God for direction on a clear to somewhat clear path.  Now that we have obstacles to climb and crawl over our focus has become toward them.  There may be times that we look upward in desperation crying out for help.  And God is faithful.  He gives us the help and then we lower our heads to focus on those obstacles yet again to push past.  We keep on keeping on through all this stuff getting bruised and battered and even more exhausted. 

Jesus is a true gentleman, ladies!  He is ever ready and willing to carry ANY and ALL of our luggage, our load...the cute, the ugly, the despicable, the horrendous...ALL of it!  It is absolutely NOT yours to carry.  It is vital for us to understand that we cannot undo a lifetime of damage, hurts, regrets, disappointments in just a few moments or to pack them away in a 'suitcase' trying to forget about them and then carry them around with us.  It is a challenge to wait patiently in general here on Earth and even more challenging to wait patiently on God who is at work within us.  EVERY part of healing requires time and patience.  It also requires that we wait on God.

"But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength .  They will fly high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Waiting on the LORD has its rewards..."The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him.  So it is good to wait patiently for salvation from the LORD."  Lamentations 3:25-26

God gives us the strength and the stamina to bear up under the strain so that we won't faint or collapse under it.  God will continue to lift us up like wind beneath the wings of eagles as we are learning to trust the LORD and wait on Him.  Developing patient faith in God means we will be able to endure.

Now that we've let go and let God we must take action.  It is our responsibility to act on and use what the LORD gives us to clear out those obstacles in our lives.  As we do this step by step, day by day, sometimes even minute by minute, more & more of the "forgotten" path is being revealed.  And God is so good, the obstacles that are just too large for us to remove He will remove Himself.  When we deal with our obstacles through Jesus Christ, then we are FREE!  Free to become all that God has for us.  Free to have a closer walk with Him and a more intimate relationship with Him.

Through this the glory of the LORD is being magnified in us and all are seeing it.  The once withered, tired, defeated and not so graceful person that was mashing about a bunch of 'stuff' as well as carrying a whole other load of that 'stuff putting on 'FACE' to have it all together is now...RESTORED!  Refreshed, filled with goodness from God and walking much lighter and so much brighter.  No longer having to have a low head watching every step, now our heads are held high basking in our Father's love and His grace that shines down upon us.

Hope & Joy are filling the valleys.  Strength & Perseverance is leveling the hills.  Faith & Trust is straightening out the curves and smoothing out the rough spots.

Thank You, Jesus!

Take care & be blessed,

Christy Krezman

Rosette Ministry

  

Two Week Mission Trip

July 10, 2012
  "So this is it!! I'm on my way to Fiji!!"...that was my first entry in my journal a year ago as I embarked on what I thought was just a missions trip.  Little did I know that it would be such a life changing experience in such an amazingly great yet challenging way.  As I reflect back upon my experience today, my 17 year old son is on his own life changing experience mission trip in Kenya, Africa.  Can't wait to hear his exciting stories. I'm feeling so blessed.

When I decided to go to Fiji on the missions trip it was a last minute decision, really a God thing.  I was at a place in my spiritual walk where I  felt like I was needing to do more.  I desired more.  I wanted to go and serve others in a way like I had never done.  I was a little nervous in going because I didn't know anyone really except for my friend, Sara and it would require me to step waaay outside my comfort zone! 

July 12, 2012
  "Touchdown in FIJI!!  Let the amazingness begin in this land, Lord!"  I was so excited to arrive.  I was also a little surprised to see what I saw.  Beautiful and the most friendliest people ever.  Lush green everywhere I looked, however, this was not the Fiji that I had Googled.  It did not look glamorous and gorgeous like all the photos shown when I would type in Fiji in the little box Google provided!! "Fiji is amazingly spectacular! We've taken all the back roads and have seen true Fiji living. Each village is different but very much the same.  No where like anything I've seen in America.  Boy, do we really take things for granted & possess lots of stuff.  Nothing of familiarity." A bit of reality has hit just about now.  Wow.  I believe I may be a bit spoiled and hadn't realized it...hmmm...didn't like that thought!

July 13, 2012
  "Overnight barge to our destination...raining...barge going up & down.  I took some motion sickness medication & Tylenol PM.  Up & down, up & down, rocking from side to side, lots of people laying on the floor, cuddle in chairs, anywhere to get comfy for this long choppy ride. Lord help me sleep & keep me safe! "  Oh golly, that boat ride is something I wouldn't wish on anyone!

July 14, 2012
  "Just woke from one challenging, quite uncomfortable night...thank you, Lord.  You're preparing me & removing my SELF, my SPOILEDNESS, my NORMALCY, COMFORT and STRIPPING me to allow me to receive all that You have for me!  Lord, this is my prayer.  Help me to remember to be vulnerable, releasing all...unzipping myself; my American self & ways - stepping out and allowing You to work in and through me to minister and bless the people.  Lord, be my strength today for I feel so tired from traveling.  Help me to endure & press on.  Lift my spirits and widen my smile.  Let your brilliance brightly magnify through me radiating Your sweet love.  Give me words to speak, hugs to give.  Lord USE ME and make sure I don't get in the way of YOUR WILL!  I'm looking forward to what's in store for us and the miracles that You'll perform!  I love You, Lord!  Amen." 

So breathtakingly beautiful!  After a full night of storm night, rocky waves, sick people...we awoke to this!
Calm, serenity, clarity, stillness, light...hope.  As I read through my Journal I thought I would be empowered by God's workmanship, however, I discovered the opposite...
"Lord, I feel so small in this gigantic place.  I feel out of sorts, of place...I know that it's not by accident that I'm here.  I know that You have a plan for me, that You will use me.  I know that I will be blessed and that I will be changed!  Praise You, Lord! Glory to Your Name.  Open my heart, my mind, my eyes...lead me to do what You would have me to do.  

Romans 12:1-8 'Dear friends, God is good.  So I beg you to offer your bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing.  That's the most sensible way to serve God.  Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think.  Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.  I realize how kind God has been to me and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are.  Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.  A body is made up of many parts and each of them has its own use.  That's how it is with us.  There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as one another.  God has also given us each different gifts to use.  If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have.  If we can serve others, we should serve.  If we can encourage others, we should encourage them.  If we can give, we should be generous.  If we are leaders, we should do our best.  If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully."

July 15, 2012
Arrived at port.  "We're on Taveuni where only 2% of the world population ever visits...and I'm here! It's so beautiful. So many coconut and 'popo' (papaya) trees, lush green vegetation with sporadic tin huts filled with lively friendly villagers eager to see the people on the open aired bus passing by.  The tiny dirt road is peppered with boys and girls skipping alongside adults - men carrying machetes or coconut logs and women carrying fruit and various other items.  As we pass they all shout with jubilee, 'Bula, Bula! (Hello, Hello!)

"Hours later we arrive at our host church.  We were greeted with warm curiosity and fed a yummy snack of popo juice and egg sandwiches.  The women are amazing-there's no kitchen-just an open outdoor fire!  The village literally all help out.  Men are cutting wood and collecting water , gathering vegetation from the jungle ...women are sitting on bamboo mats slicing and dicing vegetables while others are stooping over a large pot and even others in a framed building without doors or windows doing a host of other things.  The children are running, singing and laughing joyously.  They all love getting their pictures taken and then eager want to see themselves on the tiny screen grinning even larger than before when the picture was being taken!"

July 16, 2012
"Walked 15 minutes to hold a medical clinic in a nearby village of Vuna.  We had to carry all the supplies including all the tables and chairs.  Long day but by far one of my most rewarding days ever! I had the pleasure and opportunity to educate the people of Vuna on dental hygiene.  I complimented each and every one of them for their gift from God...their beautiful smile, telling them to never stop using that gift-always turning to Him!  I received such warmth, numerous hugs, countless handshakes and endless thank yous.  One beautiful 32 year old gal, Melamla, was so proud of her teeth and spoke that she had not lost one...which is incredible!  She excitedly showed me her 2 year old daughter, Krystel's  teeth which were perfectly clean as well.  Unfortunately not all teeth were not like theirs, I did get some requests for me to pull their teeth out because of how much pain they were in.  I told them I was not a dentist but they still requested!! I felt so helpless.

As the day went on, many different faces, different stories but always kind and smiling people as I compliment them and shared information.  God, thank You for this opportunity to share education on a simple task of brushing teeth, but more importantly for allowing me to love on over 235 amazingly beautiful people being Your light and planting a seed for Your Kingdom.

July 17, 2012
Travel by bus then by small boat to Island of Qamea.  Very excited but a little nervous I have to admit!

Spending time on this Island was extremely difficult and hard for me.  I was only able to journal a few things..."INTENSELY HARD...INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! You can't have one without the other."  This is where I experience much of my raw growth.  Have you ever had that feeling where you just wanted to run and escape from a situation?  Well try having that feeling but literally being stuck on an island with the only means of transportation is an hourish boat ride in the middle of the gigantic ocean!! And on top of that the boats aren't returning until the next day that evening! So whatcha gonna do?!? Well, I tell you it was hard because there wasn't ANY privacy at all either! So literal heart to heart with God is what happened.  Never had that before and it's quite the experience.  Being stripped of everything that's comfortable and normal yet the only thing that is reliable and true is Christ.  He was the only One that I could turn to and express EVERYTHING to...the good, the bad and the very ugly.  Oh, believe me I said some fit throwing, tantrum shouting things in my heart to Him!  If only anyone could see what was going on in my heart, WOWZA!  It would not be pretty!  But Christ being the ever gracious Father that He is, waiting for me to get done with my not so gracious fit throwing, caressed me and gently spilled healing words of truth into my heart and spirit.  He used others around me to minister to my heart and to reveal things to my once blinded eyes.  What the enemy had planned for me on this Island was not happening no longer! Victory is mine through Jesus Christ. 1John 5:4-5, "Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.  No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God." Christ did what He always does, He came through.  He got me through moment by moment. I relied on Him for everything and needed to.  He truly is the only way.  He protected and guided.  Strengthened and allowed me to endure.

1 Corinthians 15:58, "My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken.  Always keep busy working for the Lord.  You know that everything you do for Him is worthwhile." 
I will stand firm in Christ who is always solid and I will not be shaken by anything that the enemy tries to throw my way to prevent me from doing and serving in the name of Jesus!

July 18, 2012
Village of Qaleni. "Lord, I give you my heart, I give you my soul have Your way with me.  Intensely Hard, Incredibly Beautiful!  This journey has been just a battle within me, heavy burden and I don't understand it!  But I do know that You are the Sovereign God and You brought me here to break my heart for these people especially those on Qamea Island.

Isaiah 33:6, 'You are the foundation on which we stand today.  You always save us and give true wisdom and knowledge.  Nothing means more to us than obeying You.' God chooses willing vessels.  No skills required, no work-experience needed.  Weakness is actually preferred...humility a must!   To witness, to be a servant, a born slave to the Master-then Christ is the only Way, the Truth and the Life.  If we go with our agendas, our skills or our how-to's then there is no room for what Christ intended.  Not only for those He sent for you to serve but most importantly for YOU!

Psalms 34:4-5 "I asked the Lord for help, and He saved me from all my fears.  Keep your eyes on the Lord! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame."

July 19, 2012
"I have to admit I am continuing to have miniature heart tantrums with Christ.  I'm not fully aware of why He had me come so far across the world to teach about dental hygiene when most everyone I came in contact with did not have a proper place to store their toothbrush or toothpaste or didn't even have a restroom to even brush their teeth in. I just didn't get it and I wanted some clarity.  Our bus had made a pit stop in a village of Suva Suva while I was in the middle of this tantrum.  All of us were to stay on the bus which was fine with me because it made it easy for me to hide my head from all the joyfully friendly locals waving eagerly with their greetings.  'Christy, come out here now! Send Christy out now!'  My thoughts instantly turned apologetic to Christ!  Oh, Lord please don't make me stay here for my poor attitude! I'm sorry!!  

Well, let me tell you that wasn't it at all!  Pastor Steve swiftly wrapped his arm across my shoulders and said come see.  So I rushed out and  a few steps away were boys and girls all dressed properly in their school uniforms.  Boys in their khaki shorts with crisp white collared shirts, girls in their knee length purple apron styled dresses  also with a crisp white collared shirt.  Most without shoes, some with sandals.  The students ranged from kindergarten to high school, each with a toothbrush in one hand (which was received from our clinic) and a small water bottle in the other.  The instructor, whom came to our clinic previously had a mega phone instructing the students with the chant that I had shared with him and all the other villagers throughout the trip -Brushe, Brushe, Brushe...Circlee, Circlee, Circlee!  Priceless!!  Thank You, Lord!  

Simple little Christy from a little place in this world called to Fiji to teach proper brushing of teeth.  All it takes is for one who listened and was inspired to go and instructed and loved on others in the name of Jesus.  Out of those, all it takes is one to go, so on and so forth.  When Christ calls and you are willing to go and to serve, it doesn't matter how simple the serving may be, it's your willingness and obedience.  He ~our Sovereign God~will plant the seed in hearts of those being served.  He in turn will allow those seeds to sprout and grow through other willing obedient vessels.  I just need to be obedient and willing ~prayerful always. He will take care of the rest.  You do what's asked of you and remain faithful in prayer and He'll take care of the rest!  You may get the honor of seeing the fruits of what was planted or you may get the honor of being the one who actually plants the seed.  Whatever the case, it is always an honor to serve Christ.

"God loves people who love to give.  God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others.  2 Corinthians 9:7-8

This was a reflection into my journey in Fiji and it has and continues to be life changing!  I look forward to the day that I can go abroad to serve where Christ will send me.

Take care and be blessed,

Chrsity Krezman

Joy and Trials

This past week, my son and I went on a day trip to the coast.  As we traveled I noticed for many miles fields of dry and barren land.  Land that appeared to be lacking and producing no type of harvest of any kind. Then without any warning lush rich vibrant crops filled the land.  Neighboring right next to the barren field.  I thought about how that applies to our lives. 

So many times we believe that we can only experience one thing at a time.  That is true of us.  We can only handle being stressed through stressful times.  We can only handle being angry when we're mad.  We can only handle being sad in sorrowful times.  Add one more thing on top of that and we'll just burst!  We'll go over the edge.  But when we have Christ as the center of our lives, we don't have to carry the load.  It doesn't mean we don't ever experience these emotions ever again, it just means we have a hope in our future with Him.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  It goes on to say in verse 12, "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."  We have a God who will hear all our hurts, our pains, our sorrows, everything that we are going through.  He will give us a peace and Joy that will carry us through each and every trial.

I can guarantee that all of us have experience problems and pain in our lives.  But I can't guarantee that we all have experienced the Joy and peace that God offers during those times.God goes before us, He follows us and He places His hand of blessing on our heads (see Psalm 139:5.)  Joy... because happiness is not enough!

I looked up the definitions of Joy and happiness.  Here's what I found...

     Joy:  the emotion evoked by well being.  (evoked-to call forth; to bring to mind)
     happiness: a pleasurable or satisfying experience  *Webster describes "happy" as 'favored by luck'

What is Joy?  God's Truth. What He has already done for you in your life.  It's different for each of us but we each have a joyous moment we can bring forth in our mind...a joyous time that God blessed us with.  And if we give it enough time, I'm sure we can bring forth a few more times that were quite joyful in our lives.  In case your mind is too jammed with all the mess of your trials, refer to Scripture starting with John 3:16.  That is a Joyful time that Christ gave His life for you and for me that we can spend eternity with Him.  That He took on all our sins and paid our penalty so that we would not perish.  Praise you, Jesus!! This is solid. That is secure.  Joy does not waiver.  Joy...because happiness is not enough!

What is happiness?  Happiness is an emotion that comes whenever we experience a pleasurable or satisfying experience.  It waivers.  It is not solid.  Not secure.  I found it interesting that in the dictionary under the word happy was the word luck.  We don't serve a God of luck.  God is Absolute, Conclusive, Infinite, Complete, Upstanding, Firm, Strong, Worthy, Concrete, Massive, Sound, Supreme, Sovereign and so much more than my minuet brain can think of.  Happiness is temporary...it all depends on our pleasurable or satisfying events.  We most certainly CAN NOT experience happiness as we are in our trials, it's like oil and water.  But we most certainly CAN have Joy in the midst of our trials all because of Christ. 

Joy is lasting.  It doesn't replace what we are going through or what we are experiencing.  Joy is just choosing to leave it all at the feet of Jesus - believing and trusting Him to see us through it.  Allowing Him to transform us according to His Will for our lives.  Seeking Him and praising Him through each moment as tough as some of them may be.  Then calling forth times He has brought Joy in our life so many times before.  Remembering  times He has brought us out of some deep dark mirery pits.  Joy and Trials can run parallel just as long as we keep our faith in Him trusting Him each step of the way!!  John 15:11 says, "I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy."

Here's a few more Scriptures on Joy:

"My soul will find joy in the Lord and be joyful about his salvation."  Psalm 35:9
"Worship the Lord with joy!  Enter his presence with joyful singing." Psalms 100:2
"You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy."  Psalm 30:11
"They find joy in your name all day long.  They are joyful in your righteousness..." Psalm 89:16

JOY...because happiness is not enough!

Be blessed and take care,

Christy Krezman 

Advice vs Truth

Today I sit before you as a mom of a child that has reached the status of High School Graduate.  Last night was of much celebration of hard work and determination to reach this achievement.  Speeches were given from administrators, the principal and fellow peers sharing words of things that students have overcame, pushed past, and have conquered.  Words trying to encourage, motivate and excite them about their future.  This is all exciting.  A new season that is waiting for each and everyone of these individuals.  A new world awaits them like they've never experienced it before.  

As I went home and reflected upon the evening, my heart began to ache just a bit about the words that had not been said.  Words of Truth perhaps were not spoken over these young adults that are chomping at the bit to be let loosed into the "real" world to live life.  I'm thankful that my son got those Words of Truth spoken over him...not only in this moment of his life but in each season of life that he has encountered.  How many is that true of?  Even those who like myself who graduated 25 years ago who are daily needing Words of Truth spoken into my life.  We all need this!

Friends, co-workers, and relatives can give great advice, practical tips and help to inspire you through a season.  Those are fantastic and very much needed, but there is only one place where there is TRUTH and STRENGTH that will never waiver and will always see you through and His name is Jesus Christ...His TRUTH is found in His written Word.  I know for a good part of my early married years I would pick up the telephone and call my mom or a girlfriend for marital "advice" if my husband did something or didn't do something...so I guess I was on the phone quite a bit!  They gave wonderful advice and mostly Godly advice, however, I didn't go to the One that could actually help the situation. 

 

 Let God fight your battles.  You are not alone in this life.  No matter what challenges or obstacles you may be facing God is more than able, more than willing to see you through each step of the way.  Having a support system is fantastic, but airing things that need not aired is difficult to learn.  I had to give advice to myself in regards to sharing my frustration and irritation about my husband in search for "advice," STOP talking to others before talking to God.  Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."  Now, don't misunderstand me here, my husband is not my enemy.  When I hold an anger or discontent in my heart toward him I am treating him as such.  Retrain my mind-set to go to God first.  Isaiah 26:3-4 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal."

 

Picking up the phone or sitting with a friend and venting away is an easy way to release built up frustrations.  It's a quick way to get opinions, advice or what we hope for...quick fixes.  This may be a temporary salve. Changing our ways to be ones to look for Truth in Christ may be overwhelming or intimidating at first, but  God knows your heart and will meet you right where you are.  Mark 10:27 says, "For with God all things are possible." You can call out to God asking Him to meet you, venting your hurts, frustrations, dreams, desires, anything that you need advice on seeking Him for your future. Let me tell you...He will meet you!  The Message versions of Isaiah 42:16 says, "I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going.  I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country."  A perfect Truth for daily living.

One of my most favorite quotes is by Corrie ten Boom, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an All-Knowing God."  Whatever your future, even just your day may hold God has got it all under control.  He is The Source...our source.  We need to tap into that Truth Source daily.  

Class of 2013...Students, Parents, Administrators, Teachers, and those connected to, may these Words of Truth be spoken over you as a new season begins.

Take care & be blessed.

Christy Krezman

Renewed Today

Isn't this a fantastic clip of art?  This is what greeted me this morning as I started my day with many tasks that clouded my mind.  What a great reminder of truth in the everyday simplictics of nature that we seem to take for granted in our rush of life.  I literally had to pull my car over to capture this magnificent work of art that my Heavenly Father was so gracious to gift me with this morning.  I've been thinking about what this meant for me and I wanted to share what Christ revealed to my heart thus far.

Each one of us is gifted with twenty four hours in our day.  Each one of us have our own seasons that we must journey through.  In those seasons we may experience hardships and trials that challenge us to the point that we make choices that sometimes aren't pleasing or beneficial.  We become stressed, irritated and frustrated.  We tend to try to force-fit things of our past into today. Before we know it life feels heavy and overwhelming; fast and not enough time to get things done.  We morph into creatures that slightly resembled our former selves.   Our days are now where we rush into them like race horses waiting to be released at the gate on race day of the Kentucky Derby.  What has become of us?

We've allowed ourselves to become overwhelmed with fluff & stuff.  Stuff that doesn't really matter and that we really don't have control over.  Lamentations 3:22 says, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassion's never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Christ gives us do overs every morning.  Did you hear that?  Restart button...refresh button...scrapped clean!!  All because of His love for us.  He is compassionate and faithful.   Philippians 4:19 says, "God supplies all our needs from His riches."  We don't even have to go searching for them.  He's got them all right there.  So if He gives us a fresh start every morning and supplies us with all that we need, then why are we crazy for cocoa puffs?  That's on us.  It's our choice.  We need to be deliberate for Christ.  Walk purposefully with Christ.  Keeping our faith in Him, trusting Him and then waiting.  Ooooh, waiting...that's hard!  Lamentations 3:26 says,  "It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save." and Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  We need to have a mind-set that God is in control because, guess what, HE IS IN CONTROL!  Wait with expectation and anticipation knowing that He will provide for you and lead you through each day that He has gifted you with.

Worry ~ "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"  Worry is a waste of our time and energy that leads straight to frustration.  Isaiah 43:10 gives us a sweet promise, "Fear not, for I am your God; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Worry doesn't change anything.  It doesn't help.  Worry is draining and unhealthy.  Release all that is worrying you do to Christ, for it is He who knows your future.  He will embrace you and hold you tight with what fears you struggle with.  It's not yours to carry.  Jesus is a gentleman...He will carry it all for you!  You just need to drop it off to Him.

Everyday we are faced with challenges.  It is in every day that we are renewed by Christ.  Do not let yesterday's failures, disappointments or choices weigh you down today.  Slow down.  Begin anew this day...focusing only on today--seeking to please God and to walk in His ways.  Michah 7:7 says, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."

God is compassionate and faithful.  We need to slow down and allow Him to be Lord of our lives as well as our 24 hour days.

Take care & be blessed,

Christy Krezman

The Rosette

 Life journey's.  We're all on one.  Each of our journey's consist of seasons.  Seasons that make us who we are.  We all need to experience each season in our life to experience growth. In order for us to truly experience joy despite our life circumstances we must be made whole in Christ...COMPLETE.  Flaws and all, NOT perfect!  God says the we may have LIFE and have it FULL, ABUNDANTLY!  John 10:10 says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  It's our flaws and our imperfections that Christ perfects within us to that we may be made holy.  Another word for holy is RESTORED.

I love that! Christ restores!  He doesn't discard me or pack me up donating me to the local thrift store like so many of us do with our wanted or disfunctioning items.  Christ doesn't do that with us, thank goodness!  These Rosettes are a testimony of just that.  Many years ago Christ had plans for me in which I wasn't quite aware of at that time due to MY own agenda.  About three years ago late in the night of making these lovely adornments, God made His sweet presence very abundantly clear to me.  It was a newness I hadn't felt in a really long time.  He refreshed me and renewed me.  He revealed to me a beautiful story in which I'm about to share.

  
The material that is used for each Rosette is from thrift stores or yard sales.  Clothing items that have been tossed aside and no longer wanted or needed.  That's how we feel at times, but Christ will scoop us up and heal the brokenhearted, He will be the Father to the fatherless and He will make beautiful what was intended for harm.  My prayer is that this will bless and encourage you.

Each petal represents a season in our life. It is always held by our Creator God.  As we go through life's journey we are being shaped and formed by Him.  Containing the fray's that we are without Him.  Sometimes we may go through hard times and have to walk through fire but we will not be consumed.  We have the promise of Isaiah 43:2 which says, "...when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

That season will come to an end as we grow and mature in Him.  A new season begins...'a new petal held in His Hands.'  Same process because God doesn't change, but for us different experiences, different shaping, different growing to be made.  We're imperfect in the Perfector's Hands.  For His Hands make and fashion us according to Psalm 119:73.

 
 God continues this process with each of our 'petal' seasons.  He is the one who changes times and seasons in ours lives (Daniel 2:21.)  All the while He's layering each season one atop of the other.  Each getting smaller as we are continuing our walk with Him trusting and believing in the work He is doing in us.

As time goes on and we're seeking God and He's giving us the full life, He's revealing to us the magnificent masterpiece that He always knows that we are.  You are His beautiful rose that He treasures and adores.  Deuteronomy 7:6 tells us, "...The LORD your God had chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession..."  God treasures you!  You are His delight!  God loves you just as you are, not as you THINK you should be.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that we are His beautiful treasure.  That He delights in us as we are going through challenging, tough times.  When we're being shaped and don't like the aches of growing pains or just maybe we're having to walk pretty close if not through that fire.  It is easy to forget that we are treasure.  But treasure must be refined through fire.  There may be bonds that have us so bound that it is necessary for us to be in that firery trial in order to allow those bonds to be burned off and for us to be released from it.  Those bonds will fall right off as Christ brings you out through the other side victoriously!  One translation of 1Peter 1:7 says, "The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire tests how genuine gold is.  Your faith is more precious than gold, and by passing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God."

These tests strengthens our faith.  Serving Christ isn't always about being protected from difficulty.  We are ALWAYS in His hands through those difficulties.  He doesn't let go of you.  He's got you!  Sometimes He may be guiding while others He is carrying you through.  Jesus Christ is the Author and Perfector of our faith.  He is making us complete.

Everyday, we are faced with challenges.  It is in every day that we are renewed.  Don't let yesterday's failures and disappointments weigh you down today.  Worrying over mistakes is a waste of our time and energy that leads us to frustration.  Release all your mistakes to Christ.  Look to Him in trust - anticipating, expecting and having a mind-set that God is in control. Our failures are highlights of our dependence on Christ.  He is the One and Only who can bring absolute beauty out of the overwhelming mass of our mistakes.  Begin anew this day...focusing only on today - seeking to please God and to walk in His ways. Joy and Peace because God is with you each step of the way.  "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.' Michah 7:7

Those seasons WILL pass.  They don't last forever.  Don't let what you are going through define you.  God gives us the strength, the ability and the privilege of seeing each season through.  Isaiah 43:10 gives us a sweet promise, "Fear not, for I am your God; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

So be encouraged when going through trials.  In the book of James, we're told to consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Reflect back to how the Rosette was created.  Each petal season was brought to the flame to be shaped.  Some areas on the petal have singes, flaws, areas that we may want to hide, and reminders of trials it endured.  But as each petal was placed one atop of the other getting smaller as it went, the beauty was beginning to be revealed.  It was those flaws and the things that at the time of the season that appeared to be ugly and so bad to the point that it looked almost hideous yet it is those qualities that brings forth the uniqueness and absolute beauty to the Rosette.  God being the center of it creating this absolute amazing one-of-a-kind Masterpiece.  No two are alike.  Let this be a reminder of how God is always at work in us and what beautiful treasures we are to Him.

We all need seasons to grow.  We can't stay on one side of the sun and expect to be complete.  We can't have a full, abundant life without transformation, shaping, refining.  Just think how beautiful of a garden He's creating in you...

 

 Take care & be blessed,

Christy Krezman
Rosette Ministry