How Strong Are You?

Scrolling through Pinterest this morning after my devotions I came upon this image.  I was captivated by it.  For one, I love anything to do with trees.  For another, this image has such a powerful message.  Of course I saved it to my camera roll and gazed upon it throughout the day and it was in a conversation I had with my mother when things began to reveal themselves.

On the surface is seen a wilted, tired tree. One that has quite possibly endured a hardship that stripped everything comfortable and pleasing to it.  It is bent by the weight of what the world has dumped upon it and deserted it in complete isolation.  It isn't much different than you or I when we are in our own trials.  Things of this world are just too heavy and hard for us to handle and strip us from what we feel make us beautiful and comfortable in our own skins.  We all experience these circumstances in life, none of us are exempt.  I do have exciting news to share...we don't have to go through these trials alone!  Jesus Christ is our Savior and He will either deliver us from the trials or through the trials, but one thing is for sure...He WILL deliver us.

Below the surface is unseen.  It's the most beautiful part of the faith-filled believer!  As you seek God, trusting Him with every aspect of your life roots begin to take and grow.  The more you trust and pursue, those roots dig down deeper and weave into the soil taking anchor.  As you become more obedient to His calling upon your life even when it is absolutely difficult and challenging, those roots push their way through the hard-pan soil expanding and growing becoming a most beautiful site.  Our circumstance on the surface may not have changed in the slightest, but those roots continue to grow anchoring us to keep us planted so that we won't waver when storms blow our way.  We become solid and whole in Him.  He gives us a promise in Jeremiah 17:7-8, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream."

When the storms of life do come and toss us to and fro then we have the confidence in knowing that we are anchored in Christ with our deep grounded roots that have been planted in Him through our Faith and His Promises and His great love for us.  Hebrews 6:19 reminds us, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  That's Jesus for you.  Always keeping us tucked in His loving arms protecting us and strengthening us in times of hardship.  Psalm 91:4 tells us, " He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  *Side note - I needed to look up rampart just because it's not in my everyday language and it's pretty cool!  Rampart:  a protective barrier. Jesus is our Shield and our Protective Barrier!!

I'll take this stuff any day.  On the surface is for just a season. Season's change.  They come and go.  Some longer than others.  The tree will eventually begin to grow leaves becoming lush and green.  Bearing ripe gorgeous fruit for others to feast upon.  The same is true of us.  We begin to grow and prospering in our lives and bearing fruit that Christ has for us to share.  Others benefit as well and are blessed by it.  Are you strong enough to endure the first slight winds that hit you before you go running?  Are you willing to pursue Christ, allowing Him to grow roots in you that are quite uncomfortable and painful at times?  Are you willing to be obedient to Christ despite your surface circumstance to be anchored in Him?  

Now, take a look at this tree.  This tree is how the world lives.  Such emphasis put on the surface.  There's got to be beauty abounding for all to see.  I've got to be a certain size because all my friends are that size or smaller.  I need that house because it's in the best neighborhood.  That car is the BOMB!  I would look so cool in it, wouldn't I?! I gotta HAVE, I NEED, I WANT.

Well, I have to say, it sure does look pretty.  It is nice and not bad to look at.  But what happens when a life storm comes?  What is anchoring all the stuff on the surface?  Is it the new job or the ski boat?  The beach house or the vacation trips?  This new gal/guy instead of my ex-spouse?  Unfortunately, this world doesn't make room or time for Christ.  When that happens the roots are shallow and in soft ground.  Turmoil easily disrupts any part of this tree at any moment.  It quickly crumbles at the slightest hardship. The first sign of a storm the tree is uprooted and gone.  It's top heavy with nothing to anchor it and supporting it, securing it to it's foundation.  Families destroyed. Lives hurt.  Proverbs 1:27 says, "...when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you." It goes on to say in verse 29 finishing in verse 31, "Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices." What is left to give to others if you're searching for the next best thing yourself?   God ends with a promise to believers in verse 33, "...but whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."

Hmmm,  I don't know about you but after reading that section of Scripture I know that I most definitely want to pursue planting roots below the surface big time! Anchoring myself to the One Most High who gives me Promise after Promise and follows through on them every time!   God appointed each of us to this world with a purpose.  The enemy also appointed the world to us but with a much different agenda.  Which influence will win out?  Will you influence the world being rooted in Christ?  Or will the world influence you?

Think about it.  Pray about it.  Do something.  Be great in Him!

Take care and Be Blessed,

Christy Krezman
4/24/2013

There's always, always, always something to be thankful for!

I've always known to take captive my thoughts and focus on the positive side of things despite my circumstance.  Knowing and actually doing is the key to having hope through tough times.  It's also one of the hardest things to do.  This past week has proved itself to be full of different circumstances for myself as well as for close friends and family members.  I found myself repurposing words over and over and over again.  Then one evening I got alone with my Lord and called out to Him, asking the 'Why?' questions that so many of us do in times that are hard for us to understand.  Of course, He proved Himself gentle and true with His answers that evening and for the rest of the week.

We live in a world that focuses on satisfying ME.  It's all about ME.  Whatever makes ME happy.  This is the wrong way of the ME mentality.  It's the selfish ME.  So, it's easy to look at others and magnify flaws in them to edify ourselves, taking the focus off of ourselves..."If only he'd do this, then I'd be happier."  "If only my friends treated me like I treat them!"  "If only I had support from others I'd be able to exercise more and be in better shape." "He/She doesn't listen to me at home but this gal/guy does so I'm gonna hang out with her/him."  This is passing the buck.  Looking at the downside of things. Making excuses. Not looking where we need to be looking. We can not change anyone except ourselves. If we don't start the change, who will?

We also have a tendency to feel sorry for ourselves for what we have to go through.  The 'Why me?' scenario. We think that nobody else has problems.  Life is all good for everybody else.  We tend to compare our worst to every one elses best and wonder why we fall short.  We are defeated in our minds. We quit before we even get started. God has such faith in you that you are capable of enduring this circumstance in which you are placed that He is growing you to get you to where you need to be. There is success in trials.  It trains you. Equips you and makes you wise.  So the question needs to be, "Why not me?"

Let me tell you, there is Hope!  His name is Jesus Christ!  What is mentioned above is not how He desires for you to live.  John 10:10 says, "I came so that you may have life and live it more abundantly." You are not living an abundant life if you are living with wavering, doubtful thoughts, even for just a season.  Christ desires for you to live abundantly and He equips you with all that you need at every given moment that you need it.  All you need to do is Trust and Obey.  Step out in Faith knowing that what He is leading you to and through for a greater Plan and Purpose in your life.

People of faith are called to go on journey's that are very treacherous at times.  These journey's consists of hikes through dense jungles, mountainous climbs and dry desert flatland's.  Every step that we take on these journey's we take in faith because we know not of how each of our steps will land.  Will it land on solid ground or will it be mushy muck where you sink for a bit to your ankles, knees or even your neck?  When you're trekking along and branches and twigs are swiping you, pesky insects nipping at you and little pebbles stub your toes, be thankful because you don't see how Christ is holding back the ginormous Redwoods, the enormous boulders, and the wildlife that is on the hunt for you.  He is paving the way for us and we don't see it because far too often we are too busy griping about being injured by the "branch" that hit us across the face or the small stone that stubbed our toe!  When we come to ragging waters, let me tell you friend, Christ carries you. He scoops you up like a mother does a newborn babe.  Isaiah 41:10 gives us a promise, "Fear not, for I am with you; 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."  He's doing all of that for us, we have just got to recognize that, trust Him for that and thank Him for that.

It is so easy to be happy-go-lucky when things in life seem to be going alright.  Life is great, so-to-speak.  Nothing awful is in my life.  But are you thankful?  Thankful everyday?  There is at least one thing to be thankful for everyday.  Are your thanking your Creator God for that?  Thanking God for things in your life despite what is happening in your life will lead to Joy.  Who doesn't want to have Joy?  Happiness and Joy are very different.   Sorrow and Joy can coexist. .  God is Sovereign.  He doesn't change.  He is the author of Joy.  He is the Creator of today.  "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

So, back to taking my thoughts captive. It really does start in your mind. What you give thought to, you react to.  Where you invest, you will find growth - whether negative or positive, bad or good.  Years ago, an exercise that I did to help me take my negative thoughts captive was to jot down the negative thought in a notebook.  After I did that I wrote five positives that countered that negative.  So for every negative I had five positives.  For example, I found myself complaining about the valley heat. I jotted down "I'm so stinkin hot I think I'm going to melt. I wish we had a built in pool!"  Five positives, 1. I have a lovely home with shaded trees and lush landscaping. 2. My home is equipped with a working air-conditioner.
3. I have a sunk-in tub that I can fill with cool water and relax in to cool off.  4. I have multiple friends that have a built in pool that have extended invitations over for swimming. 5. I'm alive to be able to feel the heat.
It kinda puts things into perspective.  This example was on a lighter note.  I have done this in my relationships as well as with keeping myself in check.  It works!!

Another way to train your heart to be thankful is to keep a thankful journal.  Simple.  Every evening simply jot down at least one thing you were thankful for that day.  "Lord, I am thankful for..."  The first few days may barely be words like, 'being alive, breathing, the sun, etc.' by a couple of weeks of routinely doing this, you may have one page per night of thankfulness!  Praise God!!

I want to encourage you to look up into your Heavenly Father's face and let Him be all that you need for that moment.  Thank Him for His love and mercy.   Let me leave you with a wonderful work of art that He displayed yesterday that I was absolutely thankful for having the opportunity to witness.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12 ESV

Take care and be blessed,

Christy Krezman

FRAMED for His Glory

Last night I went to bed thinking for some reason of all the photographs that we take and how we store them on our smart phones and rarely do we ever get them printed to have put into a frame as we did many years ago.  I believe that is why I am finding a treasure of frames at the thrift stores sitting there so sad and without purpose upon the shelves.  But not to worry.  No longer is the frame needed for use for just the typical use of framing a portrait of some kind.  It is now it's own piece of art...it's own masterpiece.  No longer a slave  in bondage in being held bound for only one purpose,  it has been set free!

Hmm, sounds kind of a familiar story.  Am I comparing myself to a frame?  Perhaps.  But it is what Christ has done for us.  He has set us free from bondage. We are no longer slaves.  When He gave Himself for us on the Cross He did it for each and everyone of us, freely.  When we accept Him, we are our own work of art, His masterpiece...fearfully and wonderfully made.  WOW!  Oh, how He loves us!  He wants to frame all His goodness, all His righteousness, all His joy and all His love in you to be displayed in and through you.  Allow Him to remove whatever is being held in place of all of that.  Allow Him to dismantle the structure of what bounds the frame until it is exposed and transparent so that He can begin to reveal His Masterpiece...YOU!

It's really cool to think that Christ upcycles, recycles and repurposes us! I'm so thankful for that! Nothing is wasted  when we are walking close to Him, including our mistakes, mishaps, hurts and struggles.  He upcycles, recycles, and repurposes those for good by His transforming grace.  Let me tell you, I am so glad that He doesn't donate to the thrift store or toss out to the garbage!  He is the Ultimate Designer!  He can do an amazing work in you. Praise God!

Now, I have some ideas for you for those frames that you may have stored away in the closet or perhaps boxed up and ready to donate to your local thrift store.  HOLD IT!  Before you do anything else, rethink things through and perhaps restore life to those frames...just sayin.  If they are mix-matched, brass, oak, black with gold, floral, green, whatever, no worries.

 That is what the miracle in a can is all about.  Spray paint can do a world of wonders.  By simply disassembling the frames taking the backs off and removing mats and glass you'll be left with a simple frame, no matter the size.  I purchase my spray paint from Lowe's - Valspar brand, but you can purchase at Wal-Mart or Home Depot your preference.  Lightly spray paint them a color of choice.

Once you've done all the labor, you'll be ready to display all the glory!  The possibilities are endless.  What I am about to display here are things I have around my home.  Things I have put to use here and there over time.  Believe me when I say, they will change periodically, because I like to keep things moving.  It may be the same item, just a fresh coat of paint and a different way of displaying it or moving it to another part of the house.  Items in my home don't get to comfortable where they live.  They make friends with everything in every room! And they are not shy of changes!

My all time favorite!  It can't be done all year, but when you can display God's beautiful blossoms then do it!  So easy, just hang an empty frame or frames in the tree on sturdy branches and admire the art of God's glory.

This is my guest bathroom.  Top picture is a oak frame painted black placed on the center of the infamous large bathroom mirror.  I used 8 - 3M double sided wall poster hanger sticky tabs to hang it. Bottom picture is two frames one wood, one metal. Sprayed unified colored and hung together.

These two pieces are recent crafts that I've made.  Top picture shows a large frame that I decoupaged with scrapbook paper, placed a vinyl tree atop and sealed with clear coat spray paint. Glued with my E6000 a yellow frame and I attached a paper "JOY" banner that is removable and can be replaced with other items such as pictures or whatever.

Bottom picture is of lovebirds.  I bought notecards and these lovely creatures were among them.  Same process as above.  Dark frame was an old Tuscan picture that I decoupaged with scrapbook paper.  Found a lovely spot for the Lovebirds and framed them.  An old dresser drawer handle and frame was adhered with E6000.

In my kitchen, I've stacked some open frames.  Layering  is good.  Just to let you know, these candle sticks are on their 4th color now :) Another little tid-bit, entire arrangement is from thrift store buys including the stand it is sitting on! Floral arrangement made with paper flowers (I'll show you another time) Paint does wonders!!

Frame with twine strung across and stapled to make a Rosette hair clip holder.  Hung in my daughter's room.

Frame another piece of art. This is a carved piece of whitewashed wood that looks lost on the wall by itself, but looks wonderful framed.

In my bedroom entryway, unified stacked frames of various sizes and shapes.  I have ones that I've painted yellow up on the seatee and the ones on the floor are actually the wooden cloth mats that came with larger frames that I found at thrift stores.

There you have it. Frames. Didn't think there was much use for them anymore until I realized we're not much different from things that are always being thrown out and discarded, no longer wanted. There's a story to be told and I'm believe God has placed it upon my heart to share with whomever is willing to listen.  It is my duty to be obedient and tell of His Great Love for us through this blessed gift He has given me.  Thank you for reading, thank you for hearing.

Take care and be blessed,

Christy Krezman

DIY Dresser Drawer Jewelry Shelf (DIG)

How simply cute is this?

This is so a quick, easy and inexpensive project that can be done literally in minutes.  I did this last night in under 30 minutes for both. 

Items needed is discarded or unwanted dresser drawers of any size (I found mine at the local ReStore for $1 each), Elmers glue, scrapbook paper (or sheet music, a torn child's book, magazine, let your imagination go creative, etc.) sponge brush, some j-hooks, small cup of water for dampening sponge brush.

I don't get all proper when I craft.  I use what I have and make it work.  I didn't pre-measure anything, cut my paper to make sure I had enough for both drawers. I didn't mix my Elmers glue with water or turn it into a 'Modge-Podge' solution.  That's too much time and work for me.  I simply do.  If it works, Praise God.  If it doesn't, Praise God anyhow, I'll have to figure out a way that does!

Alright, with that said, let me tell you how I did it so you can go make these this morning and have them on the wall by this afternoon already! **If you haven't noticed, I like to chat :)

Cut pieces of scrapbook paper of my choosing glued the back, dampened sponge to spread glue evenly on the back and then placed piece to my liking on the  bottom of the drawer.  Continue this process.  After about four pieces, I would squeeze Elmers glue on top of glued pieces in the drawer and with dampened sponge brush I would "seal" the top of the paper and especially the edges of the paper to ensure that they will not lift by gently brushy glue smoothly and evenly.  Completely cover the bottom of the drawer to your liking and complete all steps.

I placed paper tags made from Christian book pages that I wrote words such as, "Confident, Beloved, Strong" in complimenting sharpie color.  I also used paper flowers that I also made.  Adhere the same way as scrapbook paper eliminating gluing the top.

Let dry for a while.  Find where you'd like to place your j-hooks.  Again, I did no measuring...just eye-ball it.  Just a note: Group in odd numbers...do three, five or seven.  Once that is done, you're done!!  Easy, right?!

Most drawers have the sliding track that make it easy to hang, if not you may need to get a claw hanger at any Lowe's, Home Depot or even Wal-Mart.

Now it's ready to be all BEAUTIFUL on your wall.  RESTORED to its new self.  SERVING its new purpose.  FAITHFUL to do what its be prepared to do.  STRONG to hold what is placed in and on it because of the hands that have worked hard to birth new life into what was ready to be thrown out.  LOVING and THANKFUL for all that is around because what has been done to save its life.

This is exactly what Christ does for us.  He takes those of us who are feeling discarded and broken.  Who feel unwanted and all alone.  He does a most beautiful thing by restoring us.  Restoration is not an easy thing, nor is the process beautiful.  But if we just let Him do what He does best, then oh my golly! The reveal is BEAUTIFUL. We have been RESTORED to a new self in Him.  SERVING our new purpose in and through Him.  He is Faithful to us Always, we must be FAITHFUL in Him and be prepared to do what He asks of us to do.  Think of it as a compliment when He has you to do something that is out of your "box" or way scary for you, because He has so much faith and confidence in KNOWING you CAN do it, therefore that's why He's having you to do it just to prove to you that you CAN!!  You have His Strength even when you 'feel' too weak to do anything.  Really, we can't do anything without Him.  I honestly wouldn't want to.  He can do so much more than I can even think I can on top of a Mountain Top!!

So, you thought you were just going to get a quick DIY lesson...I guess you did, but I serve a God that I really don't want to be doing things "DIY"  I may be referring to them as "DIG"...Do It God!  Because it's really Him working through me to make these things.  So, it's official!  I will be referring to all DIY crafts as 'DIG'  Pass it on :)

Happy Repurposing for the Glory of God...Using unwanted and discarded items birthing life and restoring their beauty just as Christ does with us through Him!

Be Blessed and Choose Light,

Christy Krezman

Light

Today, I was filled with light.  I didn't wake with the feeling of light.  In fact, I was feeling a bit of pain - physically (maybe a bit emotionally, too)- I'm recovering from having exploratory surgery just this past Monday which resulted in having my gallbladder, appendix and a portion of my small bowel removed.  I'm very thankful for the wonderful relief of ongoing pain of the unhealthy culprits that caused havoc on my body, Praise the Lord for that! Just waiting for me to return to regular physical activity!

This week just seem tough in other areas and it came unexplained.  Usually, that's how the dark clouds of life like to come...unannounced.  All of a sudden it's there upon your doorstep eagerly awaiting you.  Following you around like a pesky insect swarming in and out, all around about you.  You begin to swat at it, dodge it, shake your head at it.  You try to find things to oppose it.  Rolled up articles, written words to swing aimlessly about into the air.  You then begin to try to avoid it.  It follows. You seem to loose.

Continuing through the day things pacify, bandage and appear to let a glimmer of sparkle in.  Then, there it is.  The humming of that thing...  What is it?  What is looming over  to cause such a distraction?

I get into my car carefully as I am heading off to Bible Study.  'Oh, how I need encouragement and fellowship today' - that is what filled my thoughts. I begin driving and there it is! The Light! The photo that is above as you see before you.  How Majestic...how breath-taking...how beautiful!  I was instantly refreshed by His Workmanship in Nature. Glory!  Bible Study and fellowship with wonderful ladies was a bonus. But it didn't take that gloom completely away.

However, the flicker was beginning to reveal itself within me.  But I, being very human, focused on this past week...my struggles, my roller-coaster emotions, my PAIN! Thank goodness I serve a God who doesn't grow tired of me and trying to get through to me and Loves me beyond what I can even fathom!

I run a few errands, one being a stop at our church office.  I was very much surprised and blessed when two wonderful friends & office staff gifted me with something that brought me to tears!  They told me that instead of a plant or flowers for my surgery they felt lead to get this for me. And, boy is it just perfect!  They know me so well!!

It is a Tree Lamp!  Now, you may think, "Big Woop!" but let me tell you, this is so dear to my heart and means so much to me!  For those who don't know me very well, God has placed a special place in my heart for trees.  Never really understood why until now and slowly through this blog and Rosette Ministry I will continue to share.  He has blessed me with many wonderful stories relating to Him and trees, enabling me to share His Love with others.

When I saw this lamp, the first thing that came to mind was, "Tree of Life connected to the Light of the World."  I was so happy to receive this gift and place this lovely piece in my home, but I'm more happy about the Light that He brought into my day.  He brought it through all the "stuff" that I allowed to clutter up in my mind and in my heart and He blessed me.  He does this everyday whether I recognize it or not.  I look at this lamp and it reminds me that I MUST be connected to Christ.  That He is my source of Light.  Even when things of trials, hardships, difficulties and even pain come my way I have a fantastic source if I would just look up and allow His Light to radiate upon me. **Reminder to self...I still need to be connected even in the good times, too! It's easy to call on God when we are going through tough times.  It's the times we are doing "alright" when we tend to get ourselves disconnected or unplugged from God.** 

His love is so huge for you.  His compassion is ginormous for you.  He exalts over you with singing.

This Tree Lamp is a perfect visionary for that.  His Light and ALL that He is shines down upon you to grow you, enabling you to become strong and healthy...planting deep roots and stretching out strong branches that will bear much fruit!

I may have woke up with just a hint of glimmer this morning, but let me tell you...I am laying my head down tonight with a sky full of light in the darkest of night!!

May you be blessed this day and encouraged in every day through our Sovereign God!

Give Him Thanks and Give Him Praise!

Christy Krezman


April 6, 2013
This morning I awoke with a joyful heart.  Eager to read God's Word and do my morning devotion. I regularly read Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  I must share with you what this morning's devotion was after yesterday's experience and last night's blog.

'Bring Me the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving.  Take nothing for granted, not even the rising of the sun. When you focus on what you don't have or on situations that displease you, your mind becomes darkened.  You take for granted your life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me.  You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is "fixed."  When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through.  Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving.'

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. 
Psalm 116:17

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  1 John 1:7

The Washer

The circular washer represents Jesus Christ and His blood He shed to wash away our sins.

A hole had to be drilled into the washer to allow the wire to be held.  This hole represents the piercing upon Christ's side as He hung upon the Cross.  Christ was pierced for our transgressions.

The wire represents us, the world, sinners.  The wire is imperfect, dented and unable to be connected to the Gem without the pierced washer.

The Gem in the center of the Washer represents God.  Sovereign God, our Heavenly Father.  The One who sent Jesus to die for our sins so that we may be His sons and daughters for eternity.

'I AM' is hand stamped into the Washer.  Each letter having to be hammered one at a time with great force.  Three strikes of a hammer, the same amount it took to nail Christ to the Cross.

The clasp which is one with the Washer represents the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit intervenes for us when we do not know what to pray for.  It convicts us.  It keeps us connected to Christ.

This charm as a whole represents just how important we are to God.  He has wrapped Himself around us, through us and sent His son to die upon a cross so that our sins would be 'washed away' and He gave us a comforter that keeps us connected. 

"But anyone who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him."  1 Corinthians 6:17

Two years ago I made about 300 of these for a Women's Conference held at our church as a give-away to bless the ladies that attended.  I spent many hours in my garage making these and then one late night as I hammered away the letters, God began speaking to my heart  a story in regards to these washers and how they related to His great love for us.  That story is what you just read !

Be blessed this day by our Great I AM.

Christy Krezman