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

Bold for Christ

This is me.  This is me being bold for Christ.  This is me being bold for Christ and knowing that it was absolutely, completely and totally Him who gave me the strength that I was able to stand before a group of beautiful women and share a story that Christ placed upon my heart.

Let me tell you, I am not comfortable speaking in crowds...just a year ago I couldn't even share this same story in front of a group of 12 ladies I knew without shaking, voice trembling, and stumbling on my words!  God is so good!  I love that He continued to impress upon my heart the urgency to be bold for Him.  I've ignored it for far too long.  I've chosen not to disregard it any longer and my goodness, it is such an amazing journey that I've been exposed to I could have never dreamed it up in a million years!

I've worried for quite a number of years of what others thought of me...including complete strangers.  My outward appearance. All my effort went into making the outer part of my life appear to look fantastic.  I also placed all of my likes, identities and talents into separate boxes (bedazzled, of course!) I kept them all separate. When the time called for a particular item, then I'd retrieve the correct box  but then quickly slammed the box lid shut.  Never allowing God or others to get close enough inside to truly see in or to even fill me up.  I lived this accelerated, unremarkable life for many years.  Always feeling a lacking in my heart.  I thought I was doing things right, I mean I was volunteering excessively at my children's school, did my daily devotions, volunteered at church, kept up with the household stuff yet I still felt things in my heart was just not right.

When you get broken you become desperate for God.  I was becoming very broken in my heart. Very low in fuel...I was finding only remnants in the boxes of what used to be abundantly overflowing at one point in time.  Christ revealed to me that I was not allowing myself to be vulnerable and transparent. WHAT?!  Oh my goodness!  What would others think?  If I let people get to know the "real" me, then they may not like what they see?  Would they still like me? What if they found out about "this or that?" They may not understand what I had to go through!

Let me tell you something, the most beautiful woman is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"  Wow!  That's pretty awesome! Change needs to happen in order for you to allow growth.  Growing is not comfortable, in fact it requires you to endure pain.  Growing stretches you and takes you to a new level that you have not been before and it is gloriously beautiful once you arrive. Christ never wastes pain that we experience.  We need to just remember to keep a mind-set that God is in control.  He has you.  He will never leave you and He has prepared a place for you in eternity. We are not of this world.  Things of this place are temporary. 

I thought about how loyal Christ is to me.  Have I predetermined my loyalty to Him in all that I go through?  What exactly is loyalty?  Loyalty is...to be firm, be established, be steadfast, be faithful, be sure, be reliable, be fixed, be certain; to be ready, be prepared; to be determined...After reading this I prayed for Christ to make me more loyal to Him.  To remove "Christy." Removing selfishness, pride and worries  making me an empty vessel to be filled with His Holy Spirit that I may be used according to His plan and purpose.  Goodness me, God hears prayers people!  He did just that for me!  It wasn't an easy road, but it was a road I wouldn't have redirected or repaved at all.  I love where He has brought me in being able to be bold for Him. He has proved Himself throughout my years to be my firm foundation, established in my life, unwavering, unshakable, unfaltering, unbendable, faithful to His Promise's.  He's authenic, trustworthy and dependable. He's equipped, ready and willing to give all that He is to me even when I don't even realize it. 

Not much has changed in my outward appearance in the past year, but much sure has in my heart!   I am quick to speak to people and greet them with a smile and say hello looking them in the eye.  I am patient and slow to anger in difficult situations.  I forgive when I am hurt or wronged. I've become transparent & vulnerable to those I trust around me.  I surrender things to Christ that I am not meant to carry.   I trust in Him to see me through each and every day, as well as each and every situation and circumstance.  I have faith that I will see Him one amazing day!

Let me leave you with this thought...We all have one giant sized breath of God.  Are you going to breathe it out everyday sharing it with the world around you? Or, are you going to hold it in puffing out your cheeks so big making your face turn red til you pass out keeping it all to yourself?  I've chose to take my index fingers and poke my rosed colored cheeks and exhale Jesus out to this world while I can. I can't control what other people think, so why should it bother me what they think of me especially if I am in Christ.  Psalm 139:14 says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

God's fingerprint's are all over me and you.  He has created some pretty amazing things, including you and me, so I am going to be bold for Him, loving Him, serving Him, seeking Him, being prepared, and waiting with anticipation to see what is in store for me next.

Take care and be blessed.

Christy K.

May Day

Happy May!

A new month.  New beginnings - beautiful things that await us.  There's always something refreshing for me as the calendar gets turned to start a new month.  So many possibilities and opportunities.  It reminds me of how Christ does this with us every single day.  The previous is marked and scribbled upon taking away from the beauty of the picture above it.  Sometimes it gets so heavy with marks with all of our stuff that it is almost unrecognizable and doesn't resemble what it once was.  Toward the end it is barely hanging on just about to be torn from the last bit of what was holding it together.

Here's the beautiful part...that marked up stuff, the tattering...it doesn't last forever! The page gets turned - the old forgotten.  We get new mercies every morning...a clean slate.  And the best part is, we don't have to be the one holding on...it's Christ who has clasped Himself onto us anchoring us firm and secure in Him.  How awesome is that?  We can let Him write His Words of truth upon our days filling each one with exactly what we need according to His will.  Allowing His beauty to be written so perfectly on our imperfect lives.  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13.  He's our anchor.  He's our hope.  He's our support.  He's our merciful father who forgives and graciously allows us to have do-overs time and time again! 

This is a great day, a great month, a great year to live for the greatness of God...for this is truly living a great life!!

Take care and be blessed,

Christy Krezman