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

A Day in the Life of with God Repurposing through Me!

I needed some alone time with God and sometimes that comes in the form of doing crafts and projects.  Yesterday was one of those days and let me tell ya, I had a wonderful visit with Him and He created some really cool things.  I'd like to share those with you!

This is one that I did late last night.  I didn't do a tutorial or take pictures as I went along because this was when I was most in the Presence of my LORD.  However, the simplicity of the items used can create such a beautiful work of art.  Just as Christ does in us daily.  He's always at work in us.  Some days we recognize it while others we don't even give Him the gratitude for the very breath in our lungs!  Be encouraged, He doesn't leave us, never forsakes us, always loves us...whether we recognize the little things or not.

Ok.  Here's how to re-create this God-creation of simplicity turned to beauty.  You will need:
                              Two 5 x 7 art canvas (I found mine at Ross for $1)
                              Pebbles (from Dollar Tree)
                              Branches (from your yard, or neighbors with permission!)
                              Spray Paint, color of your choice (My favorite brand it Valspar from Lowes but any
                              will work fine.)
                              E6000 glue (My favorite! I stock up on this and buy it up from Wal-Mart!)
                              Paper from old books, and a few buttons

Creating the paper flowers is basically cutting a 5 scooped  flower from pages of a book and layering them on top of each other.  I used 5 layers and each one slightly smaller than the other for depth.  I crinkled the paper as well, we don't want flat flowers! Place a dot of E6000 glue in center of each petal as you layer and use a button as center.  Set aside to to dry. **Important to use wax paper as a work station with this glue.**

Spray paint canvas lightly.  Take branches (twigs really) and place where you'd like.  Find where they are most touching the canvas.  Apply the E6000 glue.  Now this glue does not dry quickly so I used a pair of my husbands heavy pliers and placed them over the branches to apply weight until the glue dries (a few hours).

Arrange pebbles in a word and once you like, apply a dot of E6000 glue and set.  Same with the branch beneath, see where it is touching canvas and apply dot of glue and place on canvas.

Apply a dot of glue to back of paper flowers and place on branch.  To keep from slipping off I use wooden clothespin to clip to branch (make sure not to clip to glued area otherwise the clothespin will become part of your art!)

Wait overnight for glue to become permanent and there you have it!!

Do you have some mix-matched dinnerware? Perhaps you have some special pieces that have been passed down to you that you just don't know what to do with.  Or like me, I saw this tiny, little plate at a thrift store that caught my eye and snatched it up for a quarter.  Now what?  Well, dessert stands and cake plates are one idea.  I don't always use them for sweets...they can be used for centerpieces and dinner parties.

This, too, was teamed with Joy time with God, so not picture tutorial.  But not to worry, I have some projects coming that actually do have picture step by step. But this one is easy step by step.

Go get your favorite plate. I used a glass plate slightly larger underneath for depth. and a short glass candleholder.  Any candle holder will work and you can pick the height that you like.  Just make sure that it looks good with the size of the plate that you are using.  When choosing the candle holder, place the plate on it to see if it balances and is level.  If not, DON'T use...unless you want the topsy-turvy look.  Once you've agreed on all the items you want to use, grab ahold of the amazing E6000 glue.  Apply generously around the rim of the candle holder but not to the point that it will ooze down the sides.  Carefully place plate on top.  If you are using more than one plate, glue the two plates together before placing on candle holder.  Set aside and let dry for 24 hours.  It may be helpful if you placed something weighted in the center.  **Hand wash only.**

Who doesn't like to make something for under $1? Me, me, me!!  These butter knives cost a quarter each.  I got them just because I saw them at the thrift store and there they sat on the shelf in a tub full of other utensils.  That tub sat next to darling vintage plates, glasses, metal scrolly things and trinkets. I was like all the other people...drawn to the big things, the pretty things.  The things that stood out.  But this time something tugged at me to dig in that tub.  And let me tell you I dug.  There were all kinds of things in there that I have no clue what in the world they were.  But laying so lowly at the bottom of this giant tub were these quiet, slightly tarnished butter knives.  A little battered, a little dented but with a glimpse of glimmer.  I snatched them up holding them tightly in my hand.  That's when the Lord reminded me that this is what He does for us in this giant tub of the world.  Sometimes things of the world gets dumped on top of us that it begins to tarnish us.  We become battered and a little dented.  But we have hope in Christ.  He is our Redeemer! He rescues us.  He retrieves us and cleanses us.   Wow!  I love God!  He is so good...ALL the time!

So these butter knives displayed will be a reminder to me.  Let me share with you how to create this:

Items needed:       Cardstock, scrapbook paper, frame mat, cardboard/back of an old picture frame,
                            E6000, Elmers spray adhesive (or double sided tape)

I used the back of an old picture frame that had an easel stand so I wouldn't have to use an actual easel as you see in the photo above.  A piece of cardboard or this paper or even a piece of wood would work...anything that you have around your house that is around 8 x 10 size will do just fine.  I traced the scrapbook paper to the frame and cut it.  Sprayed it with the spray adhesive and applied it to the frame easel (double sided tape will work fine, just don't use any glue that will show through the paper)  Find left over mats in your photo closet.  I used 2 for depth and used a cardstock that I found in a picture that I disassembled (seen above)  Using E6000 glue assemble the mats together first and then adhere to scrapbook frame.  Position knives until your liking.  Find where they are touching mat and dot with E6000.  Set aside.  Allow 24 hours drying time.

Finished photo shows the complete Knife Art with other thrift store findings.  Candlesticks were all brass that were spray painted one unified color.  I have to admit this was not their first coat of paint...they have been many colors before.  This go round they are Azure Snow!  The bird is a vintage salt shaker that I got for $1.20. Crate $4.

 Some fun backyard color.  Rubber doormat and plant mat spray painted a bright cheerful color and hung on fence.  Simple, fun, easy and fast!

Framed decor.  Take a frame, spray paint it a bright color, insert a fun cheerful fun piece.  I had this from my daughter's room that she didn't want to use anymore.  Sconces found at the thrift store for $3 each.  Spray painted bright and used barnwood to hang them on so that they can be portable.  I used fruit drying trays to line the bottom of my fence to a more rustic look to my yard.  I think I need to find me a holster for my spray paint cans!!

Fun centerpieces made with simple everyday items.  Frames, jars, gobblets, jars, and coffee filters!

Again, just find some fun colors of spray paint and go at it!! Ask friends and family for jars and you will have an overwhelming amount of all kinds of jars.  No worries because I have more ideas to share with you!
The flowers are made out of coffee filters and then spray painted with the same colors. I am going to share on how to make those at a later time, so you will just have to come back and visit me!!

Hope this was encouraging and delightful for your spirit.  May you be blessed and filled with the many treasures God has for you!

You can also 'like' me on my Facebook page Rosette Ministry

Blessings Friends,
Christy K

Dr. Appointment? Nah, Divine Appointment!

Chance meeting with an angel from heaven at my doctor appointment?  I do believe God had another appointment planned for me today when I went for my routine medical appointment: Divine Appointment.

The conversation began when Beth, a total stranger to me, just another patient at the doctor's office, when she just beamed about the beautiful tattoo upon my foot.  The exact reason I got the tattoo is to have opportunities such as this to share an incredible journey Christ trusted me enough to pursue. As she delighted in the beauty of the artwork I was able to share why I got it and what it represented.  Mind you, I am sitting & she's standing in the middle of the office as others, including the staff turned their attention our way.  The questions came. More opportunities to share Christ.

'Oh, God Thank You for having me come early for my appointment!' Goodness, she's so engaging and taking this all in.  She's sounding excited about what I'm sharing and encouraging of what I am doing.  How  I am serving others, stepping out and following Christ in life.  Doing what He leads you to do even if it is scary and everyone else thinks you're crazy for doing it.  When seeds are planted in Christ they will grow, prosper and mature bearing fruit as we continue to pursue Him.  Others will be blessed with the fruit Christ grows in us, we must have a cheerful and giving spirit.

"Christy."  My name is called.  Really?! Right now when things are going so well?  I wish I had more time.  I gracefully excuse myself and tell her what a pleasure it was speaking with her.  Beth thanks me for sharing a bit of myself with her.  So, off I go.  That's it.  As I am walking to the medical assistant, I notice many pairs of eyes on me...before, it would have bothered me, but today, I celebrate it!!

"Let's get your vitals before we take you back to a room."  Hmmm Mmmm. Not paying attention.  I'm thinking that I can't leave here without connecting somehow with Beth.  I've got BP cuff on a arm, thermometer in mouth and I am digging vigorously in my purse for paper.  Of course I don't have any because I just switched to a new one and it is all neatly organized.  I haven't had enough time for receipts or grocery lists thrown into the bottom of my purse.  What can I use?  A business card of somebody else...just insert my name, number and email!  Cuff is off, thermometer out. I urgently ask the assistant if I could  re-enter the waiting area quickly.  I'm granted permission with a smile.  I briskly approach Beth extending my handmade card and she eagerly accepts, thankful for my return.  She tells me that she is excited to get in touch with me upon her return home.  Wow, that will be fast!  She proceeds to tell me she lives 600 miles away and will be away from home for some time longer. Now that's it...for now.  I'm full of joy.  Thank you, Lord.

An hour at the doctor's office with some news of exploratory surgery to find the source of pain  that I have been suffering through for the past 8 months and determine a hardness/lump on my abdomen was nothing that could bring me down from the Spiritual high I was on!  I sat in my car trying to grasp what God had just down when Beth appeared out of the doors.  I rolled down my window and waved to her.  As she approached me I told her to take care and told her that I was blessed in meeting her.  She returned the sentiment and said that she would contact me soon.  I asked her where she lived and she answered, "I live in heaven. It's beautiful."  I told her, "I'd love to come visit you in heaven."  Her response, "Anytime. I'd love to have you come see me. I'll email you the address."  And off she went as she left in her cab!

Divine Appointment...I'll take more of these any day!

Christy K.

Clear Thinking

Clear Thinking

Ever wake up and feel in a fog? That was me yesterday. Fog doesn't even quite describe it. Difficult to describe...in a bubble, blurred, I was moving extremely slowed paced as life and everyone in it had extra shots of espresso.  No reason for it.  So why?

I continued through my day. First stop, church.  What a wonderful experience I had. Nothing changed on my part but at that point I was thankful for being in my fog.  The Holy Spirit entered my bubble! I was having such a wonderful visit with Him as the rest of my amazing church family worshipped around me, no clue that I was chatting in my heart with my most favorite guest!  Refreshing.  Still hazy, but a streak of light beginning to appear.

Lunch with an amazing group of fun-loving, energizing sisters in Christ that filled my laughter tank.  I felt like Charlie in the movie, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, when he and his grandpa sipped some fizzy beverage and they began floating in the air filled with bubbles giggling away! My spirit was filled, yet that nagging haze continued to linger and it was beginning to get on my last nerve! REALLY?

What in the world is going on, Lord? I am surrounding myself with all that I need to and yet I find myself in this fog and my mind is mucky and life is speeding by without me. I'm doing what You ask of me to do yet I'm feeling left out and unclear.

At home when I finally sat down long enough to be still, let me say that again, BE STILL, that's when God began to clear things up for me.  Removing the haziness.  It was like seeing something behind a frosted glass and then eventually it becoming ever so clear!

I live this life too fast.  I have tasks, projects and things to get done including my devotions. Christ wants us to experience Him.  He desires a conversation with us.  He delights in us and we are His handiwork and we are each wonderfully unique.  I couldn't imagine as a parent my child doing to me as I do to Christ so often.  SLOW is not a word that is looked upon favorably in this world, but I must remember that I am not of this world and I need to reinsert SLOW, SLOWER, SLOW DOWN into my vocabulary.  I am missing too much of what God has for me if I am running in this fast world. Clear is seen when life is taken at a slower pace.  This is where He gives clarity.  I like clear.  I like clarity.

I do believe that God put in His Word that we are to, "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10  He knew we would get busy, preoccupied and have to-do lists. We need reminded of this quite often!

Bring your moments to God. He's interested. He will equip you with all that you need and embrace you with His love and grace.  Thank You, God!!

I have to tell you, I went to bed last night with such a clearly enlightened mind, a heart full of joy and a embrace from my Lord!

Always learning...

Christy K.