Sometimes we miss it.

Sometimes we miss it. As Christians. 

We are called to be light and salt. Ambassadors of love. And some of us really try. But we just are short some days. 

Some of us discount people...there's always more to a person than what meets the eye. Look again. 

Some shoot their wounded instead of binding their wounds. Or casting them off- afraid of getting dirty.  In the name of Jesus... Not really understanding that one. 

My family has entered a new season. It's different from any other season we've been in, and we've had to take a lot of hits to the heart. 

The pain and hurt from some has been countered with love and compassion from others. 

But we have not kept pushing forward without being pressed on every side. 

We have had to set our gaze and determine in our hearts that Jesus is better- better than any persons approval. Better than a microphone or recognition. 

Better than being seen by man. 

This is not easy or simple. It's a daily choice. To be content in the season. 

Knowing Jesus and letting everything that prevents us from seeing Him be burnt away. 

Christians are gonna miss it sometimes- myself included. And when that happens, let's not pretend we didn't. Fake it. Be self righteous and make excuses. 

And if you've been hurt by Christians- I'm sorry. I'm sorry and I pray you'll remember we are just humans and most of us are really trying. The enemy gets the best of all of us some days. 

Please don't give up on God and his plans for you. 

Let's forgive and get it right the next time. Grow in love and grace. 

Let's learn to love. He's watching ❤️

I shall not want.

"When I taste your goodness, I shall not want."

Think about the times you've felt content. Like, really satisfied.

Being full after a great meal. 

Sleeping in after a longggg stretch of getting up early. 

The first sip of a great cup of coffee. 

The first time the baby sleeps through the night. 

The feeling after you get into a perfect bubble bath. 

Getting into bed with clean sheets... 

Content. 

What does it mean to be content? 

Content: (adjective) satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

Looking around at my life, I feel I have been mostly content. Sure, things have not always been perfect. But I've been satisfied with my life. Little or much. I'm grateful. For my kids, for my husband and for the relationships I've been given. 

There is such power is choosing gratefulness and contentment. 

The two times I've been extremely discontent were two seasons that I did not ask for. They were thrown on me and I didn't have a say. I thought somebody would stand up and speak. They didn't. Decisions were made for me. People made choices for me. Things should have been different. 

Been there? So many have. It's no fun. 

And my heart broken. 

But guess what? I am learning that you can be content in these moments too. Choosing contentment is just that- a choice. 

Even though circumstances aren't ideal, I can be content. 

My heart may be heavy, but I can be content. 

People come and go. I can be content. 

Things change, and Jesus remains. 

That's why I am content. Because He does not leave or turn away. He's steady and faithful and when everything around me falls- He is true. 

When I'm mistreated by people I thought I could trust- He remains. 

When my surroundings change unexpectedly- Jesus remains. 

When health reports come and they aren't what we wish they were - Jesus remains. 

And I believe this with all my heart... That being content is tied to being a good forgiver.

There is always a need to forgive, always someone that has hurt us, knowingly or not. Doing this keeps our heart in a position of contentment, and rest. This is freedom. 

And there is nothing that justifies holding on to your offense. Nothing so terrible or awful. It's just not worth hanging on to. 

Because - Jesus can wash anything. His blood speaks a better word. 

What if we just decided to stop wishing for more? For something different? 

What if our "now" has purpose in shaping us and growing us? Making us stronger. It does. 

Believing in what's coming, but being content in my now. 

❤️Christa 

Guard your heart.

"Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts." 

Proverbs 4:23 The Message

This has been my favorite verse since I met Jesus. I have read it over and over, shared it with others, spoke messages on it...it is very powerful and I promise will change your life - if applied fully. 

If you've ever been in a season where you or your family has been under spiritual attack, this verse becomes more of a command than a suggestion. It is a must- for your protection as well as your sanity. 

To move forward and to break any ties that the enemy could use to hinder or draw you backwards- you must be willing to cut away- a clean sweep- even things you have loved and held dear. 

Why? Because Jesus is better- and his plans are better. 

Don't be afraid or unwilling to reevaluate your life. You are worth it. 

Relationships, attitudes, habits. Lay it all out and ask yourself what needs to go. 

You'll take criticism. You'll be judged and talked about and misunderstood. 

It's ok. 

Questions to ask if you aren't sure...

Is it life giving?

Does it encourage my heart? 

Could it be a distraction from my future? 

Does it weigh me down? 

These are my bars. Anything that leads to negativity or death- it goes. 

Some of this hurts. Some- not so much.

But Jesus is better. I know He is. 

Moving on ❤️

Christa 

Crappy Days.

Some days are just crappy.  

Sometimes the days turn into weeks, & the weeks turn into months.

Things don't happen like you hoped.

Things happen that you didn't expect.

Your plans fell apart.

Sometimes the people you thought would reach out or be there just aren't.  

For whatever reasons.  

Maybe they are busy.  

Maybe they don't know what to say.  

Maybe they've been lied to or decieved.

                                               Maybe they are having a crappy day too. 

I woke up after a day of blissful yard work - the yard of our rental house was a bit overgrown- and my arms were covered in poison ivy.  Then my legs were.  Then it spread to my face and it just was not getting better.

(And by the way - I never remember having poison ivy in my life....) 

So after a week of steroids and a shot in the butt, I *think* I'm on the mend.  

Oh- and this started on the FIRST day of my new job.  Which is at a cute little cafe downtown- and not anything I've ever done before - but it's time for new things.  So here I am.  

After a week of meltdowns in our family - did I mention this has been a HARD season? - I finally feel a bit of relief.  Kevin has a potential job and another possibility - and we are choosing to believe - to beleve UNTIL.  Until the prayer is answered.  Until things are better.  

Sometimes life is rough. Don't overspiritualize it or analyze it. Just be honest about it. Sometimes life is hard because the battle is hard. ‪

And maybe - just maybe- there is something really great on the other side of the fight.  Something precious.  Something that you just can't get the easy way.  

Keep praying, friends.  Keep going.   Keep believing.  

Until <3 

Christa 

Don't you carry stones.

We think we know so much.

We assume... And usually we only have partial information.

We have so many opinions. 

"I like warm weather. I like cold weather. I like Trump. I like Hillary. Chocolate is better than vanilla. Music preferences. Hair color. Job choices. College. This church is better. That person is this or that. The way we drive our vehicles. The way we raise our kids. I would do it this way. I sure wouldn't have done that. I would never...."

On and on. 

We think we know what is best. We think our way is better. 

And we call it wisdom... 

Who really knows best? Who is really qualified to judge? To see a mans heart and know his intentions? 

God, that's who. And if you call yourself one of His, you are required to do things his way. 

There is no other way, only his way. 

To choose love, as he is love. To seek him and his way. 

What does that look like?

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 

Love hopes all things, believes all things. 

If someone is seemingly living lower than their potential, you are called to hope. If you think they aren't sorry or repentant, remember you really don't know...if you think you see something- you are not called to carry around stones to throw. You are called to bear all things. To believe. To pray for them.

We love to read this scripture at weddings or when we are feeling good. But to walk it out is another thing entirely. When someone has done wrong- or hurt us- or someone we care about- it's much harder to embrace. 

We'd rather point our finger and say what we think. Forgetting that 4 fingers are pointing back at us. 

Help us Jesus. Help us to remember we are all imperfect people in need of a savior. No one should have stones to throw. 

Teach us what real love is. 

Christa 

Nothing missing

It's our fifth day in a new place. 

Some have asked how we are. 

It has been bittersweet. Moments of bitter... Moments of sweet. 

The Lord has been faithful to meet me where I am. In my dark and lonely moments, He has given me laughter with my people and reminders of His love. Joy for mourning. 

When I felt people have failed me, and uncertainty threatens to choke me, He wakes me up with a song in my heart....

"I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord. 

Oh my God, He will not delay. My refuge and strength always. 

I will not fear, His promise is true. My God will come through, always. Always."

When things come and you didn't have time to prepare- you must choose to trust the Lord. No matter what. What other option do we have? 

To quit? To turn away from God? 

That's not even an option. He's our only hope. 

I am trusting in new levels. I am hopeful and expectant. I am believing for a full return of what was stolen.  Nothing will be missing. 

I know where my help comes from. 

I hope you do too ❤️

-Christa 

 

Choose wisely.

Sometimes you just don't have words for the feelings in your heart.

You try and come up with something, to do it justice.  But there just doesn't seem to be anything that comes close.

Life can hit you hard sometimes.  Things seemingly come out of nowhere and throw you for a loop.  Leave you trying to catch your breath.

And you are there wondering, "What now?"

There are several options when trauma hits your house.  Choose wisely.

* You can dig a hole and jump in it.

*You can try and pull as many as you can into your offense.  Continuing the pain and attempting to build a group to validate your feelings.  At the same time, hardening your own heart and distancing yourself from God.

*You can turn and curse God.  "Where are you?  Where have you been?  Why didn't you do something?"  "You've never been there anyway."  "You never cared."

*Or - you can fall on your knees.  Know that He is always good. No matter the circumstance or situation.

I choose this one.

The ONLY ONE who has any virtue is Jesus.  The only one that never fails. That never turns away. That never lies.  That never pushes my face into my sins or even remembers them.

The one that helps me forgive.  Helps me choose life.  Helps me move forward. Helps me go through the hard things.

Helps me love. Even those that gossip and accuse and assume.

Jesus.  He's the only one.

He gives me hope, that one day I can stand before him and he will look me in the eyes and recognize me...and He will ask me the question -

"Christa......did you learn to love?"  

And I pray that I will fall down at his feet, and whisper, "Yes. I did."


<3 christa