Reset Button!

 

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 ESV

To this end we always pray for you,

that our God may make you worthy of his calling

 and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,

 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,

and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

You know I'm just going to put it out there..
There are just some miserable people in this world. It seems to be their life purpose. To them its everyone's else's fault but themselves. If you keep doing what you do, you can expect to keep the same result. Over the last week I have met people that have asked me for advice on their life.. instead of offering advice.. I asked them have they ever taken the time to reevaluate their mind. You know the way they think? They seem puzzled by this, because according to them everyone else is the problem.


When I use to think this way, I asked God to fix me because I am the problem. (Even though I didn't feel I was the problem, but I kept getting the same negative situations in my life, and I was dissatified. I was bankrupt emotionally, physically, spirtually, and financially.


Interesting. We choose what we want to wear each day. We choose the kind of company we keep. We choose what to eat each day. But we can't choose the life we want???  Once we decide to change our mind, and stop negotiating for less, and reevaluate our thoughts, things will change. Everyday, I write in my journal over and over that I am worthy. I continually say this inside my head everyday... because somewhere along this journey called life.. I felt I wasn't worthy.. Satan is the accuser and he is a liar... and I am worthy. Each day that I write and tell myself I am worthy, I am actually am starting to believe it, and feel it. Forget what I have been through, and let me forward to where I am going.  Jesus still finds me worthy to even wake me up everyday.  According to Jesus I was worth dying for. All glory be to God!


People listen up! We are the only things that can reprogram itself. We can hit a reset button on the way we think at any given time in our life.

When will you decide to reset yourself for the good of you?

With a huge heart, and 10 days without smoking, I say keep up the good work because we are growing beyond belief!


God bless. Amen. Crystal

Less of me, and more of him!

Proverbs 3:7

 Don't be impressed with your wisdom.

 Instead, fear the Lord

turn your back on evil.

You know as I am getting ready to blog about wisdom.. (laughing) Guys I used to be so impressed with my own wisdom. I was impressed with anything that I had to do with that caused a great outcome. Anyone who knows the the BC (Before Crystal) I was a trip. I was walking around like I knew so much, and I got all the credit. And if I my so call good acts were not acknowledged, I would be sure to point out that I was the mastermind behind the greatness. lol This is really funny to me now, because I don't see it this way anymore. God must have been getting a kick out of my own ignorance.

Then I ran into Proverbs 3:7.

Needless to say, I felt like God was saying I am not that impressive alone. God is wisdom, and alone he is impressive. My own wisdom hasn't gotten me very far.Basically he sat my cup down, and said shut up and sit down. Talk about being humbled.

All glory must be given to God. I must not take any credit, for he alone is the credit. God begins, where I end. How about a little more less of me, and alot more of him?

Today I have the flu.. but my God says I am healthy and alive, and no matter what I must continue to deliver his word. Keep up the good work because we are growing beyond belief! God bless. Crystal Jones

LOST MONEY.

Proverbs New Living Translation

2:4 Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasures.

All glory be to God, and all that I do glorify him only!

I really like Proverbs 2:4. Because I know that when I have misplaced some money, I search hard for it. I be trying to retrace my steps. Triple checking my pockets. Looking under the couch. I am in a frantic stage. Over money?
 But not God?

This verse means to me, that when it comes to wanting to know God's wisdom, that I must search for it like I have misplaced money. When I wanted to know God, I found that I wasn't even in a frantic stage to try to hear what he was saying.  This is a trip.
I looked harder for money, than I did for God's Wisdom.

Ever since, I read this...
I have been on a frantic rampage searching
 for God's wisdom.
I am in a constant unrelentless search for his wisdom.

What happened if we all got frantic for his wisdom?

May your hearts be full of love,
 and peace that surpasses understanding!

 Keep up the great work because we are growing beyond belief!

God bless! Crystal

NO DEAL!

I think the Devil tries to negotiate with me. I met a guy. Off top I thought he was so beautiful on the outside.. but his attitude was horrible. He was cocky to the fullest. He was rude, obnoxious, conceited, and obviously he is use to having women falling at feet. Back in the day I would have ignored this behavior in a man, and would have dealt with him anyway. The first conversation we had I already new Satan sent this dude to see if I was the person I believe I am now. Needless to say, he sent me a text later in the week and asked me what I was doing. At first I said I was working. And then something hit me, and I text him and said, You know what I lied. I am actually deleting your number out of my phone, because I know my worth. Take care. Long story short, that didn't seem to make him go away.. so on the last conversation we had, I said you know you never asked me about me. He looked confused for a second. I said I actually want to be a pastor.. and he about fell over.. and I haven't heard from him since. (lol)

I felt like I was playing a game of Deal or No Deal in this situation. I had 1,000,000 and $25.00 left on the board. The banker (Satan) offered me lets say 250,000  to buy my case. I thought about it.... and then I hit the button...NO DEAL!!! My case was holding Jesus.. and I knew it the whole time. (big smile) I am not negotiating with Satan.

Through my journey so far with Jesus, I realized I don't have to settle. God whispered in my ears.. Run Crystal Run. Don't walk. Don't jog. But run. I'm too close to my victory, and I am sprinting to the finish line!!! Satan eat my dust! (lol)

Praise the Lord for the strength, and peace that surpasses understanding. Keep up the great work because we are growning beyond belief.

God bless. Crystal.

Rough time.



1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

 God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,

 that you may be able to endure it.

I am trying to quit smoking. I don't smoke that much... maybe 5 cigarettes a day. I started smoking in 2006 after a traumatic incident. I always thought that I could stop whenever I wanted.. well when I just had major surgery a few months ago.. I realized that I was highly agitated, irritable, and cranky.. and I didn't know why. Obviously I can't smoke in the hospital.. but I didn't think that not smoking for two days would effect me at all...BOY WAS I WRONG.. and it wasn't until my good friend showed up.. and she could see I was really irritable.. and she asked the nurse if I could have a patch.. I was like I don't need no patch, because I didn't believe that I was feeling this way over cigarettes... sure enough I get a patch.. and I was a trillion times better..

But I was angry at myself.. because I had to realize I was addicted to cigarettes. It just wasn't smoking.. but the routine that I had for smoking.. this is one of the hardest things that I am trying to break myself from.. Its only been three days that I have quit. I bought the patches to help with withdrawal symptoms.. I feel bad for even buying the patches.. because God wants me to depend only on him.. because he can do all things.. so not only am I trying to quit, but where is my faith??? What did I get myself into? Ugh. the patch helps.. but there are times where it gets tough.. I am chewing lots of gum, and I have a stress ball.

I have a choice to what I put in my body. I am harming body, my clothes smell bad, and it hurts my kids when I smoke. And looking like a crack head because I couldn't have a cigarette is surely not cute (lol)

I am praying that I will overcome this addiction. I am placing in my mind that I can do it. This is really really really hard... All I can do is try. Plus God promises a way to escape temptation, so that I may endure it..

Until next time.. with a my loving, and merciful heart, I say keep up the goood work, because we are growing beyond belief.

God bless. Amen. Crystal

Valentine's Day Tip! The kids!

John 16:21 

When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

 



Okay I guys I missed a few days.. but love is still in the air.. and who can forget about the kids? Children are so special. I love my children with all my heart. I didn't know what love was until I had my beautiful daughter and son. So to show that Valentine's Day is not just for adults.. here are some tips to make sure they get the Valentine's Day Aura. (smile)

1. The night before, I go to the dollar store and decorate the table. I get red gift bags and fill it with candy, coloring books, and little dollar gifts. I get a couple of Valentine's Day Balloons and put them at the table, and I drop confetti on all around to look like there is a party going on.  It is cheap, and it looks like I spent alot when I really didn't.

2. Take the kids out to dinner. I do this one sometimes to, but I get off late most days.

3. A Valentine's Day card with like five bucks in it.. or even better get some index cards and make them a coupon book. The coupon book could have one coupon for a day of doing no chores, a coupon to let  them stay up as late as they want, or a coupon that is good for a movie of their choice, or anything that would like done for them.

4. Make cupcakes, and let them decorate them with sprinkles, and icing, and candy.

5. A hug and a kiss goes a long way.  This is a given really. But an extra special hug, and kiss always does the trick.

6. Anything that you do get, try to wrap it up with red or Valentine's Day paper. All kids like to open up things that are wrapped.

With a cozy, and thoughtful, and grateful heart, I say I love the kids. Keep up the great work because we are growing beyond belief!

God bless.  Crystal

9th Daily Tip Valentine's Day

Luke 6:32

 "Do you think you deserve credit
 merely for loving those who love you?
 Even the sinners do that!

To me this is a powerful question? I know I am good at loving those who love me.. but am I really any good at loving those who don't love me??   Am I even trying to love someone who doesn't love me? It is easy for some to write someone off, because of what they are doing now, their past, their position, and for who they are. Catch the word easy in that statement. That's too easy. I don' t know about you, but I know that I am willing to see them the way God sees them. Its hard. I still cursed someone underneath my breath the other day.. but I caught myself.. this loving your enemy thing isn't happening overnight for me.. its hard..

Ain't this great? While I am trying to write this blog.. the enemy (Satan) came barging through.. and I about went off.. and I did.. one of the people that I can't stand just made me mad.. and here I am trying to blog about loving our enemies... I am seething with anger... trying to love someone in spite of their faults.. it hurts trying to love people that could give less than a damn about you.. but that's alright ... keep walking on all over me.. keep trying me.. cause when you hurt me, you hurt Jesus... and I am still going to try.



I know this blog went in a totally different direction.. but I said I would open up my life.. and literally when I was in the middle of this blog, I had to stop, and go to a place that I no longer belong to.. trying to love when someone else doesn't.

Until next time. I definitely need a pat on the back, because I just messed up.

God bless.  Crystal

Daily tips until Valentine's Day!

It is that time of the year again.. Valentine's Day.

 Love is in the air. I will give a tip away a day until

 Valentine's Day is here. I am very single right now, and I truly don't mind it most of the time. But this day just seems to suck if you are single. I have been married before, and in a relationship before and the day could still suck. But I am a romantic at heart, and this day doesn't have to suck for anyone.. regardless of our status.

So if you are single: 

I say to us, take some time to be thankful, that we are getting an opportunity to know ourselves better. This single time is just preparing us for our hearts desires. Preparation is always good. Each day we should write down one thing on a piece of paper the things that we love about ourselves. I keep in mind that I would rather have eternal and loving days with the right person, than one day with the wrong one.

In a relationship:

Try to think of the other person's feelings. I don't know one woman who doesn't like Valentine's Day. (I am sure that there are woman who don't like it) Everyday should be Valentine's Day when it comes to showing our love and appreciation. But it is just now how it is these days.  This is not just for the women, but this tip is also for the men. How about a handwritten letter (not a text, or email)  a day until Valentine's Day, sharing your memories of what brought you two together in the first place? Perhaps, place this letter on their pillow before they wake up, or on the bathroom mirror, or on the juice in the refrigerator, or maybe in their lunch bag?

Proverbs 15:17
A bowl of vegetables with someone

you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

Keep up the good work, because we are growing beyond belief!!!

God Bless. Crystal (Love Jones) lol. I'm just kidding. lol

STAND EVERY CHANCE I GET.

Revelations: 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said,

Behold, I make all things new.

And he said unto me,

Write: for these words are true and faithful.

After my surgery in 2010, I was not in the best of moods.

 I was not in the mood to hear about how Jesus is so great, and wonderful.Because I was thinking,  if he is so wonderful then why was I left for dead, and had to suffer so much?  Just a recap, couldn't walk, no money, and thirty staples in my stomach, and left physically deformed. I went to church shortly thereafter and the choir sang a song called For Your Glory.  When I heard the words, and the melody, I could have sworn that Jesus whispered in my ear and was speaking these words directly to me. Not only that, but I then figured out.. when I couldn't walk, Jesus was doing the walking for me. In fact, Jesus not only saw my situation, he was merciful to rescue me. Rescue me, when I was so undeserving. I immediately stood up in church! I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, and I felt so loved. A love that I never took the time to find.  From that day, I knew my whole life
 would change.. and it did.. I was made new..

For Your Glory

He saw me. He heard me. He came and rescued me.

He saw me. He heard me. He came and rescued me.

Your love has set me free.

For your glory, and your honor,

For your name Oh Lord we stand.

For your glory, and your honor.

For your name Oh Lord we stand.

God Bless. Crystal