Serving God and Family

Fennel Essential Oil – God’s Gift to Mothers

2012-01-20T16:59:00.000-06:00

Recently I started regularly donating my breast milk to a local mother who is unable to breastfeed her son. I was so excited and honored to be given the opportunity to help another mother in such a special way. I am also so thankful for all the Lord has changed in my life over the past few years because this mother is quite particular about the breast milk she feeds her son - and rightfully so.

I had some trouble increasing my supply until I learned about Fennel Essential Oil. Click on the bottle of Young Living's Fennel Essential Oil below to read about my experience!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Abortion - "American as Apple Pie"

2012-01-20T09:20:00.000-06:00

This morning I came across this article written by Dr. Albert Mohler - "Abortion is as American as Apple Pie" - The Culture of Death Finds a Voice". Dr. Mohler reminds us of the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973, and how from this "more than 50 million babies have been aborted, as a rate of over 3,000 each day." While those numbers are certainly staggering, and should make any pro-lifer shutter at the impending wrath of God that is surely to ensue for such treason against His creation - we are forgetting another side of the abortion epidemic.

It is a sad reality in which we live. "Abortion is as American as Apple Pie" - truly it is. Sadder still is that we only think of the murder of innocent babies in the sphere of a doctor physically removing the life from an unborn baby by his/her own hands and then disposing of the murdered child like a butcher disposing of scraps.

The birth control pill is an abortifacient - Marget Sanger would be so proud that one of her prized ideas (I called it the silent killer of babies) has infiltrated the minds of the masses so much so that they do not even recognize what she intended it to be used for - killing babies. The birth control pill does not prevent conception - but it does make it nearly impossible for that newly conceived baby from attaching to the lining of the uterus. Conception CAN STILL happen - and you just have no idea it did in many cases. The IUD - abortifacient. Several vaccines use aborted human fetal cell lines (human diploid cells) - and we don't even wince at this knowledge. We make excuses for why that is acceptable but we balk at the notion of a doctor injecting saline into a mother's uterus with the premeditated intention of burning the unborn baby to death - not to mention the horror of how later term abortions are done.

Yes, the murdering of innocent unborn babies is as American as apple pie - and so many who claim to be 100% pro-life do make exceptions in their hearts and in hypothetical situations when it is acceptable and even "good" to murder an unborn baby. Classify it as you will, justify it whatever way you need to - but the Lord's vengeance will not allow for excuses, no matter how eloquent and logical they may sound. You want to stand up for life - then let us all be consistent lest we face the wrath of God for even in the smallest of ways condoning or benefiting in anyway from abortion in all its many forms.

Yes, I believe this issue is pretty straightforward - however, I know so many of my Christian brothers and sisters, still in some way, sit on the fence and silently advocate abortion - possibly without even knowing it. There are no subclass of humans - not in God's creation - and we should be wise to remember this. I do applaud Dr. Mohler for sharing this article and revealing to us, once again, the "death culture" we are living in. I do wish however, more Christians would expose all of the forms in which unborn babies are being murdered each day - that number of "3,000 each day" would surely sky rocket - and to our shame too.

I fear the Church has failed our nation in so many ways, defending the life of the innocent being at the top of the list.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! - Isaiah 5:20

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Please Vote for My Picture!

2012-01-18T11:17:00.000-06:00

Hello my devoted readers!

I recently submitted my photo entry to The Common Scents Mom January Giveaway. I let the girls pick out their favorite Young Living Essential Oil and then grabbed my camera. Initially both girls were smiling and saying cheese - but the photo captured was of Sofia looking at Charlotte puzzled as to why she wouldn't pick the oil that Sofia picked. Classic big sister caricature! HA!

I would really love to win the giveaway. Young Living Essential Oils is a superior product and I use my oils ever day. Would you please head over and vote on my photo entry - Photo #8? All you need to do is head over to The Common Scents Mom and leave a comment telling her why you think #8 should win.

I'm so excited to see who wins - and of course I hope it is me!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

I love to iron!

2012-01-17T12:01:00.000-06:00

I have enjoyed ironing since I was a teenager. I know so many people who loathe this homemaking chore, but I absolutely love it! There is something quite rewarding about ironing out wrinkles from a garment. I find ironing to be calming and I generally do it when there are no distractions because, well, let's face it, hot iron + little ones running around = disaster! So, I iron when they are sleeping, and find it quite therapeutic.

I started ironing my stepfather's handkerchief's when I was a teenager, and then when I enlisted in the Air Force (after basic training) it was my responsibility to make sure my uniform was crisply pressed each day for work. I remember lots of new Airman jesting about how stiff they were able to iron their sleeves; so stiff that if you got too close their sleeves might cut you.

Now that I am a homemaker and have the responsibility of ironing clothes for my husband and children (and myself), I have been disappointed at the store bought starches for years. I can never truly get the clothes as crisply ironed as I would like. I found a solution, and I'd love to share it with you at Southern SCENTSabilities! You can learn to easily make your own ironing starch using essential oils!

I hope that you will head over and see how easy it is to make your own ironing starch without being exposed to toxic chemicals! Yuck!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Homemaking 101: Vision Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives DVD {Repost}

2012-01-09T10:05:00.000-06:00

***I shared this review with my sweet readers last month and I wanted to share the review again. A new year has begun and many of us are wanting to find ways to start fresh, but often times in order to do this we need some help or guidance. I think Mrs. Ross offers some of the best biblical wisdom on the subject of Homemaking and Biblical Womanhood. Mrs. Ross has been very generous and offered my readers a 25% discount on her new Homemaking 101 DVD. Just use coupon code 25off at check out. After reading my review, if you'd like to purchase your very own copy simply click on the icon at the end of this post.

This would make a great gift for a new bride, or you could have a Ladies Tea with some women from your church and view this together! Either way I know that you will be blessed as much as I have been through the wisdom that Mrs. Ross and Mrs. Crowl share in this lovely DVD teaching on Homemaking.***

Family Vision Films

Mrs. Jennifer Ross has created an invaluable resource for Christian women in her encouraging teaching series Homemaking 101: Vision Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives DVD. I first learned of this teaching series through one of my favorite blogs, “A Wise Woman”. Just within the past week that I’ve had the DVD in my possession I (and my girls) have viewed it at least 4 or 5 times. I’ve already begun to implement some of the “Homemaking” that Mrs. Ross suggests throughout Homemaking 101 and the stress level in my home has drastically decreased. Her practical and of course Biblical approach to Homemaking truly makes this teaching series unique and timeless.

Mrs. Ross is a lovely hostess as she graciously opens her home and life to Christian women in the hopes that Christ may be glorified as she challenges and encourages us to joyfully serve our husbands and children. In the very beginning of the DVD, after Mrs. Ross so lovingly opens her front door to welcome us into her home, she makes this poignant statement that still resonates with me –

“We were created to joyfully serve our husbands”

I couldn’t have said it better! It truly is a sad thing when Christian wives forget this basic Biblical truth – “woman was created for the man” (1 Corinthians 11:9). We all know (and possibly even wince at reading it) that God created Eve to be Adam’s “helpmeet” (Genesis 2:18). Post Modern Feminism has sold a very sour product that sadly, even within Christendom, has been bought at a great price – the family. In a world where the modern culture of family has been perverted and broken, Mrs. Ross seems to revive the Biblical role of women within the words “We were created to joyfully serve our husbands”. It is like a fresh breath of air!

All throughout Homemaking 101, Mrs. Ross shares some excellent and practical tips for managing the home well and joyfully and one is the wearing of an apron each day. I love the idea of wearing an apron each day to symbolize the “homemaker’s uniform”. I have already begun to make this part of my morning routine – it really does jump start my day with the understanding that I do have work to do.

Finding time to spend time with the Lord and study His word can be difficult when you have small children; however, Mrs. Ross makes a timely observation:

“Solitude and quiet are not a prerequisite for spending time with the Lord, especially if you’re a mother of small children.”

So often I think Christian mothers become discouraged with this particular area of the Christian life. I tend to wait until my children are in bed for the evening to read my Bible – and even then I need to remember it is also the time that I have uninterrupted time with my husband. Understanding that we are not entitled to uninterrupted scheduled time to sit and spend time with the Lord is of great encouragement. You will find that this concept is touched on by an older Titus 2 woman in the DVD, where she points out that Jesus was constantly interrupted and He never grumbled or even expected solitude – He just served joyfully and was in constant communion with the Father. I think it a far better thing to have our children witness their mothers praying or reading scripture even in spite of a busy or hectic day. I have found it so beneficial in my own home, over the past several days, to sit and read my Bible while the girls are playing quietly – they inevitably ask me “Momma, what are you reading?” and the Lord gives me such a sweet opportunity to minister to my children this way.

There is no more important ministry that a Christian wife and mother has than to those within her home. This was one of the resounding messages throughout the DVD –

“Motherhood…homemaking…IS a ministry. Your greatest mission is your home. There are lives to be saved in your own home.”

~Mrs. Janet Crowl

This is something that is of the utmost importance for Christian homemakers to understand – Our ministry is at home - to our husband and children. If we find ourselves searching for or finding more fulfillment in some other ministry outside of our own homes, then we must reevaluate, repent, and turn our hearts back to our homes. Our number one priority and ministry is in our homes. We should be very careful and wise about the activities for which we commit ourselves to that take place outside of our homes.

All throughout Homemaking 101 are very practical tips for managing your time and your home well; for the glory of the Lord. Mrs. Ross generously shares a few recipes and mealtime tips; time management tips, organization tips, and tips for incorporating your little ones into the daily chores and activities that need to be accomplished within the home. She is the mother to 11 children, and to see such grace and joy as she cares for her home, her husband and children is truly inspiring and humbling.

I am thankful that the Lord has inspired Mrs. Ross to create such a lovely teaching series that is sure to inspire you as you seek to obey and honor the Lord. Homemaking 101 is a resource that is sure to only benefit and bless you and your family. This DVD would make a perfect gift idea for a “bride to be”, or a young mother who may be in need of some encouragement and guidance. It is also an excellent resource for those who are like me, and never really got any training in the art of “Homemaking”. No matter the season you find yourself in now, Homemaking 101 is bound to bless and encourage you in some way!

Also, be sure to head over and check out Mrs. Ross’ website Renewing Housewives, and all of the other wholesome Christian resources at Family Vision Films.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Aromatherapy Compress

2012-01-07T18:56:00.001-06:00

I had so much fun making this today! I added a few drops of my Young Living Essential Oils to the rice and not only will it come in handy when I get a migraine or when my neck, shoulder and back start acting up - but it will be a great way to benefit from the aromatherapy of Lavender Essential Oil and Purification Essential Oil Blend.

If you'd like to know more about my therapeutic grade essential oils - check out my new website

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Home-Based Business - A Biblical Perspective

2012-01-05T18:45:00.002-06:00

The New Year has begun! How have the first days of your New Year been? I enjoy this time of new beginnings. Everyone recognizes the New Year as a chance to start over fresh, to take steps to correct bad habits or beliefs. An opportunity to take a chance and start something new – be adventurous, if you will.

Since launching my very small cottage business a few years ago, I’ve tasted of the thrill that comes with making something with my own hands and being compensated for it. I’ve also very much enjoyed providing a service for people who appreciate handmade custom items. On top of that, crocheting is a hobby – so it is a double blessing for me. Recently, however, I have stepped into a whole new business endeavor – becoming an Independent Distributor for YoungLiving Essential Oils!

I have enjoyed using essential oils for several years, and now armed with more information about essential oils, I am proud to recommend Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. I’ve used these oils on myself, my husband and my children and seen great results.

When I first began researching essential oils I was completely unaware of how the oils are made and how that plays a vital role in the purity of each one. I just assumed ‘an essential oil is an essential oil’ – no way to really differentiate between different ones. I was wrong! When I received my first bottle of Young Living Therapeutic Grade Lavender Essential Oil and opened the bottle to take a whiff, I immediately recognized the difference.

I’ve suffered from chronic migraines since I was about 18 years old, and sometimes they are triggered by smells like, perfumes, different foods cooking, cleaning products, etc. I try to be very careful about walking through department stores in the mall that have perfume and cologne counters because I can get a migraine in a matter of minutes from all the different smells. So, when it comes to smelling different scents and fragrances I do so with the utmost caution because my sniffer is ultra sensitive!

A couple of years ago a friend recommended I try essential oils to help with my migraines. I hate taking medication for every single ailment or illness and I’ve learned over time that pharmaceuticals are toxic to our bodies and often times cause pesky side effects that then require other pharmaceuticals. The two that I remember that were known to help with migraines were Lavender and Peppermint so I picked some up at our local health food store and used them off and on – sometimes they’d work and other times I’d be in agony for hours with a migraine that just wouldn’t subside. Since having my Young Living Therapeutic Oils, every single headache I’ve had or muscle ache the oils have just about worked instantly to soothe the pain and discomfort.

My husband was a bit skeptical at first, until the other day he came home with a sore and stiff neck from sitting at a desk all day turning his head to look at two different computer monitors. I promptly grabbed my Young Living Pan Away Essential Oil Blend and put it on the parts of his neck that he said were hurting. Within a few minutes the pain, discomfort and stiffness were completely gone! From that moment on he’s been completely sold on the Young Living oils – and he is not an easy sell! He is now just as enthusiastic about Young Living products as I am. I’m excited about this new business venture that we’ve embarked on because it has to do with a product I absolutely love and use in my own home every single day. I also love the product because it helps me to remain consistent with my beliefs and convictions on living a lifestyle that is healthy and natural – and not depending on or relegating the health of myself or my family on a pharmaceutical industry that does not have our best interests in mind.

I share all of the above because starting a home-based business is not only a means for bringing in some extra income, but it is Biblical. A homemaker can be a successful business homemaker! In the Fall 2011 edition of Homeschooling Today!, Stephen Beck shares some great wisdom when it comes to Christian families starting a small business. He gives some practical advice and a list of “pros and cons” that must be understood before taking the plunge into the home-based or small business world.

He writes:

“The Psalm 112 man: Scripture says that wealth and riches are in his home. He deals graciously and lends. He gives to the poor. The people honor his name. The wicked see this and grieve.

The Proverbs 31 woman: Her first priority is her family, but she manages her household so well that the walls of her house cannot contain her industry…With this thriving family business, she clothes her family in scarlet (nice clothes) and reaches out to the poor, and all who know her praise her.”

Mr. Beck goes on to say something that I found very encouraging as the owner of a small business;

“In my opinion, to foil the plans of the wicked is one reason God gives profitable business to His children. People with means have to be reckoned with and are not easily swayed. And if godly people have means through a small family business, perhaps this is one more tool God will use to establish His kingdom.”

WOW! I never thought of it that way until I read this article. I enjoy running my own business, almost as much as I enjoy running and managing my home. In fact, the two seem to blend together and will probably become more blended as my children grow and become more a part of our family economy. I teach them what I am learning, as does my husband when it comes to technical computer skills, and it is our way of passing down an inheritance to them in a way that otherwise cannot be accomplished.

The cons to starting a small family business are:

Every small business takes a financial risk. Understand that when you begin a small family business not only do you invest financial capital you invest your time and your family’s time. Understand and be prepared to invest each thing wisely, while also realizing what you don’t invest you cannot get a return on.
It can become an all-consuming venture if not managed correctly. This can be an easy way for a family business to fail before it ever gets off the ground. Dad and Mom need to remember what their first priorities are and manage their time wisely so that the needs of the family do not go unmet through the course of setting up or running a family business. Family businesses do not tend to go very well if the family is falling apart.
Be prepared for an abundance of advice. Everyone will have an opinion on how you should run or establish your business. Be wise and careful who you take business advice from, as with everything else in life. This is something that I’ve personally dealt with. Most people have great intentions however; even those who do not have a small business of any kind are willing to offer advice on how to run something they know nothing about.

The pros to starting a small family business are:

You gain transferable business skills. You will have a great opportunity to pass on life skills to your children. What a sweet way to spend time with your children and invest in their futures!
You have the wonderful opportunity to pursue your passion. It enables you and your children to work in an area that you love.
You will be able to avoid compromising situations. If you are your own boss then you make the rules. If the Lord blesses your business in a manner that allows it to be the sole source of income and provision for your family, then you have the freedom to spend more time with your family and even spend time helping within your community or possibly through a mission trip.
You get to earn extra income. Even if your small business does not become your primary source of income, it certainly can generate extra income for homeschool supplies, field trips, vacations, mission trips, mortgage payments, medical expenses, or even to pay for higher educational opportunities. It can also be a great way to put away funds for times when you learn of a need of another Christian family or someone in your community. What a great way to minister to others if you are able to help provide for them by having extra stored away for groceries or to pay a friend’s electric bill, etc.

Stephen Beck ends by reminding the reader that “Rome was not built in a day and neither will your family business”. Is there something that you enjoy doing or that would provide a needed service to someone? I enjoy crocheting and sewing clothes for my family. Once I became confident in my abilities and learned how to make time for it, selling what I make has been rewarding. Are you a computer tech or do you know how to design websites? This can be very beneficial for those who need a website or do not know how to design a blog – you can offer your expertise and earn extra income as well!

When it comes to being a Young Living Independent Distributor, the process is much simpler – I do not have to “make” anything to sell. I get to advertise and sell a product that I love and believe in while earning extra income or free products that benefit the health of my family. What could be better than that? I also get to educate people on the wonderful things the Lord has created for us to use to maintain healthy bodies, prevent illness, etc.

Regardless if you ever decide to start your own business, our families must come first. As a Christian wife and mother, I’ve learned that any extra responsibilities I wish to take on need to go through my husband first. We are prayerful about taking on extra tasks, and I think this is very important for everyone to keep in mind. If you must invest any amount of your own capital in a business venture, it is wise to negotiate the pros and cons. In the end though, I do believe that every Christian family can have a successful small business and use it for the glory of the Lord!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

To find out more about Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils, check out my new website

2011 Reflections and Prayers for 2012

2011-12-31T23:21:00.002-06:00

As the year of 2011 comes to an end, many people stop and take some time for deep reflection. Some ponder the life events that occurred over the past 12 months, and try to find meaning or purpose in all of it. Others move past the past and look on ahead to the future; making resolutions and plans for a prosperous and successful new year. Then, there are those who do a little bit of both, reflect on the past 12 months while also planning for the next 12 months to come.

When I reflect on the past 12 months so many thoughts come to mind, first being of my sweet Eleanor who was born on February 28^th in the safety and comfort of our home. Her birthday is special in two very important ways:

1) The Lord blessed us with a new daughter, Eleanor Michelle! I experience two very painful miscarriages (for a total of 5 miscarriages) prior to becoming pregnant with her and I had prayed fervently that the Lord would bless my womb again – and He did!

2) I experienced the wonderful blessing of a homebirth. It is by far my most cherished accomplishment. Having Eleanor at home permanently removed all fear of natural childbirth that had been plaguing me since I had my first child 5 years ago. The Lord proved Himself merciful and gracious in that He gave me the strength and confidence to trust in His handy work in creating and designing my body to not only endure the pain of labor and childbirth but to fully enjoy and revel in the miracle of life in the most precious way possible. He secured for me a special bond with my sweet Eleanor that only furthers my deep appreciation for the miraculous life of all of my children. He used that one single experience to breed a confidence and passion for life, truth, and wellness that no one can steal from me!

Honesty is the next thing that comes to mind when I think about the past 12 months. Sometime in the middle of the year I shared some of the struggles that my sweet Sofia had been having, and to my surprise I received an abundance of encouragement and love that far surpassed my expectations. I also learned that I was not alone, and that other Christian families had struggled with the same thing, or were currently struggling. The Lord brought people into my life that He used to help us help Sofia. Over the past few months there have been great changes and all glory goes to the Lord! Modifying her diet, incorporating a few new vitamins and supplements, not to mention all the time we spent praying for wisdom, has born more fruit than we ever imagined it would. We got our daughter back! She hasn’t had a meltdown in a couple of months and has just continued to blossom under the close and watchful care of parents who would go to the ends of the earth for her.

I’ve found that in the course of the past 12 months I’ve grown closer to my husband, and even more reliant on him. I’ve learned some hard lessons on friendship and where my loyalty is to ultimately lie. I’ve learned that relationships change, some for the better, and some for the worse and that is ok – life goes on. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, I can depend on my husband for the loving compassion and encouragement that cannot be rendered from any other person. Whether I have one friend, five friends, one hundred friends, or no friends; my heart is cherished by no one more than my husband.

Oh my darling children – the Lord has used the last year to renew my love for my children. They are the Lord’s little gifts of joy all wrapped up in tender sweetness. I have the great honor and pleasure of loving such precious daughters. Sofia, Charlotte and Eleanor are my true delights; packages of loveliness. I love being the mother of three little girls; each one with their unique personalities adds something distinctly different to our family. I pray that the Lord gives me grace and wisdom when instructing them in the ways of the Lord, and discipling them for the work of biblical womanhood. I have watched Sofia and Charlotte blossom into such tenderhearted little girls. The Lord is showing Himself Sovereign in their lives as we witness Him cultivating their hearts for His use. They love to learn about the Lord and each day the Lord blesses us when they share their hearts with us. What an amazing honor to know that, at this moment we have our daughters’ hearts. May we never take the awesome responsibility of shepherding their hearts for the glory of the Lord for granted. We take the duty of guarding their hearts and minds so seriously for fear the Lord would smite us should we cause them to stumble. They are so precious to us, how much more precious are they to Him, the One who made them?

Biblical womanhood and the journey of being the keeper of my home has been a quest from the moment I married my husband. I’ve learned that when you are the mother of three little ones, the best place to spend the majority of my time is right at home with them. There truly is no other place I’d rather be anyways. My ministry is to my husband and children, and if I find myself being busy elsewhere, then I’ve effectively neglected my post, and things begin to fall apart. My heart and affections need to be “plugged in” at home, throughout the course of my day and even throughout the night. The Proverbs 31 woman never let her lamp burn out, and thus is the life of a mother with little ones – especially an exclusively breastfed little one.

Helping and encouraging my husband is so important for the vitality of our marriage and family. When scoffers try and attack his character or the genuineness of his personality then of course I am right there to defend him and to pray fervently against the attacks of the enemy. I love my husband dearly, and am so very thankful the Lord allows me each day to be his helpmeet.

Within this past year I have finished my Bachelor’s degree, which I had feared would never happen. There were times that I simply wanted to give up, but I had much to prove to myself and to those who have labeled me a quitter all my life. I remember as a teenager someone saying that I would never amount to anything; that I would always be a “screw-up”. I am thankful that the Lord chose to show Himself merciful in my life because I would otherwise be something to be pitied. All of my accomplishments are His, for I can do nothing good apart from Christ. I’m thankful that He has given me a tenacity and a fierce desire for Truth, because if you saw the me that was before Christ, it sure was a pathetic sight to behold. To God be the Glory!

The Lord showed my husband favor shortly after Eleanor was born and provided a wonderful job as a QA Manager/Analyst/Program Designer/IT Support/whatever the boss needs done! He works for a Medical Software Development company and has learned more about the medical industry than he knew before. He has earned a raise and is due for another review in a few months with another raise in store. He enjoys his work, and one of the perks is that he can work from home if he has to; and has on several occasions worked late into the night or over the weekends. He is currently creating custom graphics of the different parts of the eye (another hat he wears at work), and has enjoyed learning about that as well. There are several people he works with who are of the same convictions as we are on mainstream medicine and health nutrition - including the owner, and this has given us great encouragement in the face of some who do not have the same convictions. I've had the pleasure of watching my husband grow in a company that has given him job security and a place to hone his skills. God is Good!

Not only do I have a crochet/sewing cottage business, I have recently became an Independent Distributor for Young Living Therapeutic Essential Oils. I'm excited about this new business venture and joining Mrs. Stacy McDonald and many others in teaching others about the importance of health and wellness and how true Therapeutic essential oils can play a vital role in achieving optimum health. I created my own website Southern Scentsabilities and am behind excited to share everything I've learned and am continuing to learn about caring for your families health through the use of essential oils!

As this year comes to a close, and we all embark on the uncharted journey of a new year, I pray that the Lord would continue to remove those things from my heart and my life that seek to draw my affections away from Him and my family. I pray that He would continue to guide me and teach me His ways. I pray that He would strengthen my love and devotion for my husband and children, and cause me to find even more joy in being the keeper of my home. I pray that as I continue to share my life through Serving God and Family that it would always point people to Christ. I am who I am because the Lord has been merciful to me, and I pray that even when I write things that are controversial or against mainstream philosophies that I will remain consistent in a Biblical worldview, never faltering for fear of scrutiny or hateful criticism.

I pray also that each one of my readers has a wonderful and blessed New Year, and that you will continue to seek the Lord in all things. Love your husbands and children, and most of all, love the Lord with all of your heart! Soli Deo Gloria!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Soaked Oatmeal

2011-12-29T08:23:00.000-06:00

Do you soak your oats overnight? I had heard of others going through this super simple process but never did it myself until about a month ago. Soaking your oats for 12-24 hours reduces the amount of anti-nutrients and allows for better digestion of the oats.

Soaking your oats is super simple and cooks up quickly in the morning when you're ready to prepare them for breakfast. Just add a little butter, maple syrup or honey. This is how I soak my oats:

I add 2 cups of rolled oats (NOT instant), 2 TBSP lemon juice, 2-4 TBSP Wheat Flour, 2-3 TBSP Chai seeds (protein), 2 Cups of water into a clean Mason Jar. Cover with a lid - give it a good shake and then let it sit on the counter until morning. I then pour the oatmeal into a pot add 2 more cups of water and cook on medium heat until creamy.

My girls love when I make this for breakfast. I add a little butter and maple syrup (or honey) and they eat it all up. You can also add your favorite dried fruits or some coconut milk. I usually make a green smoothie or just a simple strawberry banana smoothie on the side for breakfast and this keeps us full and full of energy until lunch time.

Do you like oatmeal? What ingredients do you like to add to your oatmeal breakfast? I think next time I'll try some toasted almond on top!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Buyer Beware

2011-12-27T09:41:00.000-06:00

For several years now, Malachi and I have become more aware of different products that contain toxic ingredients. Many of these products are for use on our precious babies! We do our best to be consistent and when we changed our diet and eating habits, it just logically flowed that we should also rethink the other products we use on a daily basis. This includes but is not limited to household cleaning products, laundry products, and beauty and personal hygiene products.

We know and understand that we simply cannot avoid all toxins that we are exposed to, but in those things we can personally control we do. Mrs. McDonald shared some great insight on this very topic a few days ago, and I thought it would be a great idea to share the information with my readers as well.

She writes:

"You might be surprised to find that your skin is by far the largest organ in your body, and what you put on it affects your mind and body in ways you can’t always see immediately. Many ingredients found in popular cleaning and personal care products are, or can be, cancer-causing agents (or just plain dangerous). Because your skin is permeable, such ingredients harm not only the skin itself, but can penetrate into your body, get into your blood stream, and cause all sorts of internal damage."

I hope that you will take the time to head over and read the article she shared, and then diligently seek to find ways to clear out any toxic products you have in your home.

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Southern SCENTSabilities Official Website!

2011-12-23T16:28:00.001-06:00

It is official! My newest creation, Southern Scentsabilities is a registered ".com"! I purchased it earlier this week and was beginning to wonder when the URL would switch over. I checked it today and it is officially my own URL! I'm pretty excited about the site and wanted to make sure that my readers knew that the address has changed. The blogspot address should redirect you, but just in case you bookmark your favorite sites - it might be a good idea to make a mental note of the new web address: www.southernscentsabilities.com.

I've got two new posts up. One is on "Using Essential Oils Safely", the other answers the question "What are Essential Oils?" There is a place on the lower left side of the page to "Follow" should you be interested.

I received my new oils in the mail today! I'll be making hard lotions, lip balms, and sugar scrubs this weekend. I will definitely share information on each product on Southern Scentsabilities - so be on the lookout!

I pray you all are doing well!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Good Morning Green Smoothie

2011-12-22T08:11:00.001-06:00

Not too long ago I shared with you all about the Green Smoothie and how it would be a staple at breakfast time in our house. I l-o-v-e green smoothies! I thought for this morning, I would share the recipe I used to make our tasty health treat. (Thanks to my sweet husband for the new blender from KitchenAid)

Ingredients:

2 Bananas

Frozen Strawberries

3 Hearty Handfuls of Spinach

Several Dried Apricots

Chai seeds – about 2 TBSP

Coconut Milk – about 2 cups

Raw Probiotics from Garden of Life

Directions:

Put all the ingredients into blender and…blend! That’s it. Now enjoy your super yummy green smoothie!

This is a great way to start your day. I have been soaking my oats overnight and cooking them up in the morning for me and the girls just to add some bulk to our breakfast. However, with this green smoothie, extra items for breakfast are not necessary.

{I highly recommend soaking your oats for 12-24 hours before cooking them – I’ll blog on that later}

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Young Living Essential Oils - Peppermint Oil

2011-12-21T17:44:00.002-06:00

Peppermint Oil is one of my favorite essential oils. I recently shared why this oil is a “must have” in my home and would love to share it with you. You can read all about it, and find out how to purchase Young Living Essential Oils at wholesale prices by visiting Southern SCENTSabilities: Living Well With Essential Oils.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

7 Years of Wedded Bliss

2011-12-20T08:34:00.000-06:00

Our Wedding Day - December 20, 2004

Each year when this very special day arrives I get butterflies in my stomach just like I did on our wedding day. You know - those butterflies of giddiness; of pure excitement and anticipation. Honestly, I feel this way each morning I wake up knowing that the Lord has spared me through the night and allowed for me to be Malachi's wife for at least one more day.

I am at a loss for the words that would do justice for how I feel about my husband, Malachi. Apart from my relationship with the Lord, I cherish my husband above all things. He has been a faithful companion, more gracious to me than any other human. As far as friends are concerned, he is my best one; never taking me or my affections for him for granted. He is the kindest, most patient, and gentle man I have ever known. He knows the darkest parts of my past and yet has always made it known that he is proud of me. I pray each day that the Lord would make me half the spouse that Malachi is to me. My husband is my "Knight in Shining Armor" and has always come to my rescue when the world around me seeks to devour me. I feel secure and safe in his arms, and I know that I can always hide behind him when I need a break from it all.

The Lord chose the perfect husband for me, and I don't think eternity is enough time to spend each day thanking the Lord for Malachi. I love my husband with a love that even I find difficult to understand at times. My children have been blessed with a gift that I myself have never been given - parents who love the Lord and seek to serve Him exclusively. My little girls witness each day the tender kisses and loving hugs their father so affectionately lavishes me with daily. They watch quiet carefully when their daddy helps their mommy into the van on family outings, and pay close attention when he makes a B-line straight for me upon arriving home from work each day. One of my most important prayers is, should the Lord chose for my daughters to ever marry, that He bless them with a husband like Malachi - and that they will settle for nothing less.

Of all the people in my life and in this world, my sweet husband is my favorite! I love him more and more each day, and pray that I am the helpmeet to Him that God intended me to be. I cherish the many love letters that Malachi and I have in our possession. What a wonderful and priceless gift we have to pass down to our children when we are gone. During a difficult time before we married, Malachi wrote this to me in one of his many letters:

"When you want to hear from me and you are unable to get to a phone, just read all of these letters I gave you, the words on them are true to my heart and they do not fade with time."

~ J. Malachi Sewell

I am truly blessed beyond measure and look forward to the next 7 years with my beloved!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Southern SCENTSabilities and Essential Oils

2011-12-19T07:45:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! I am very excited to share with you my newest blog – Southern Scentsabilitites: Living Well With Essential Oils. As I mentioned briefly before, I have joined the Young Living Essential Oils team as an Independent Distributor. This new blog will not only link you to my Young Living website but will chronicle my many uses for Young Living Therapeutic Grade essential oils. I will also be talking about the wonderful business opportunity that is to be had through becoming an Independent Distributor with Young Living Essential Oils.

So without further ado – please head over and check out Southern Scentsabilitites: Living Well With Essential Oils.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Me and My Sweet Cupcakes

2011-12-18T16:03:00.000-06:00

Young Living Essential Oils - Independent Distributor

2011-12-17T19:30:00.002-06:00

I am now an Independent Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils! I will be putting together a separate website soon; so be on the look out for it. I'm very thankful to Mrs. Stacy McDonald (Your Sacred Calling and Common Scents Mom) for sharing her personal experiences with the health benefits of using Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. She too is an Independent Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils and I am very excited to join her team!

I will be blogging in the near future about my adventures with Young Living Essential Oils. I recently received my kit to start making my own hard lotions and lip balm, and plan to use my new Young Living Essential Oils in those. If you'd like more information on Young Living Essential Oils, please feel free to contact me. In the meantime, feel free to learn more about Young Living Essential Oils via their website HERE.

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Matching Aprons

2011-12-16T16:35:00.000-06:00

Apron I made

I very much enjoyed every minute spent making these aprons for me and my girls. The girls are so excited that we all have matching aprons to keep our clothes clean throughout the day. I did not use a pattern, I just made everything us as I went along - makes things more interesting and exciting!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Making Aprons

2011-12-15T17:13:00.000-06:00

"When I slip on this apron and tie the strings, I am making a conscious decision to have a mind to work. I have a job as a keeper at home. Titus 2. 3-5 tells me a bit of why I put on this apron. I do love my husband, I do love my children, I do work here, I do guard and guide the home and in doing so, I do want to represent them well. That’s what my uniform says to them and to the watching world - and to me. It says I’m right here, right where I belong, doing what I was meant to do."

~ Pamela Spurling

A Christian Home - The Apron: The Mother's Uniform

Today I've been working on making aprons for me and my girls. After posting a couple of pictures on my facebook of my daughter's modeling them, I ended up receiving two orders for custom made aprons! The two aprons shown above are not completely finished yet, I still have to add the waist ties and a pocket on the second apron. My daughters are super excited that their mommy has taken the time to make special aprons just for them. I will be making a matching apron for myself sometime tomorrow, which has the girls all tickled to match mommy!

After watching Homemaking 101 I've made it a point to put my apron on every morning and surprisingly it does help to keep me in the mindset of "work" - and it keeps my clothes from getting flour, food, and other dirties on them! This is such a great thing because it means whenever my sweet husband arrives home from work, he is greeted by a neatly dressed wife - another tip from Homemaking 101.

Use coupon code 25off for a 25% off discount!

I will post a picture of me and my cupcakes wearing our homemade aprons as soon as I get them completed! If you would like a custom made apron feel free to email me at servinggodandfamily (at) gmail (dot) com.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

The Monstrous Regiment of Women DVD

2011-12-14T10:52:00.002-06:00

My husband and I viewed this DVD last night and I'm going to be working on a review for it soon. We were both moved and in many ways even more angered by the feminist movement and how far reaching the effects are, even within the Church.

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Homemaking 101: Vision Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives DVD (WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT)

2011-12-12T12:15:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Shonda for winning the Homemaking 101: Vision Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives DVD

I know that you will be as blessed as I have been to have this lovely resource in my home! Now I know that many of you might be a little discouraged that you did not win this giveaway; but fret not! Mrs. Ross has generously extended a 25% discount to my readers! If you'd like to purchase this DVD, please click on the picture below and use coupon code 25off at checkout!

Many thanks to Mrs. Ross for making this Giveaway possible and for creating such a helpful Christ-centered tool for Christian women of all ages!

***Shonda, please contact Mrs. Ross at info (at) familyvisionfilms (dot) com and let her know that you are the winner of the Serving God and Family Giveaway for the Homemaking 101 DVD***

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

(Winner was chosen via a random generator at random.org)

Homemaking 101: Vision Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives DVD {Giveaway}

2011-12-08T10:50:00.001-06:00

Family Vision Films

“We were created to joyfully serve our husbands”

Finding time to spend time with the Lord and study His word can be difficult when you have small children; however, Mrs. Ross makes a timely observation:

“Solitude and quiet are not a prerequisite for spending time with the Lord, especially if you’re a mother of small children.”

There is no more important ministry that a Christian wife and mother has than to those within her home. This was one of the resounding messages throughout the DVD –

“Motherhood…homemaking…IS a ministry. Your greatest mission is your home. There are lives to be saved in your own home.”

~Mrs. Janet Crowl

Now for the best part of this review – a GIVEAWAY! I would like to show my appreciation and gratitude to Mrs. Ross by hosting a Giveaway of the Homemaking 101 DVD! If you would like to win Homemaking 101 please leave a comment below. For a second entry, please head over and “like” Mrs. Ross’ Facebook page – Renewing Housewives – then come back here and leave me a comment indicating that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on Monday, December 12^th!

Also, be sure to head over and check out Mrs. Ross’ website Renewing Housewives, and all of the other wholesome Christian resources at Family Vision Films.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

My Favorite Homemade Bread Recipe

2011-12-07T09:53:00.000-06:00

Picture Credit

A few years ago, a friend of mine sent me her bread machine after I showed an interest in learning how to make my own bread. Sadly, after the first use, the bread machine broke, but I was SOLD on making my own bread after tasting the fruits of my (Read: Bread Machine's) labor. My sweet husband then purchased me a brand new bread machine, and I used it up until I found this recipe. I was a bit intimidated about making my own bread without the help of my bread machine - but once my husband and my mother went in together on a 6qt KitchenAid mixer, it is now the only way I make my bread.

I cannot remember where I found this recipe or how long I've been using it (at least 2 years), but this is my favorite recipe and it hasn't failed me yet. I make two loaves of bread at a time; this keeps me from having to make another loaf later in the week. You could also pre-make the dough and freeze it for future use, just make it, wrap it in freezer safe materials and freeze. The day that you are ready to make your bread, remove the dough from the freezer, allow the dough to thaw out completely and then cover and set in a warm place and then follow the instructions for rising times.

Feel free to play around with the flours. I use 2 cups of Whole Wheat and 4 cups of All Purpose, but you can most certainly use all Whole Wheat or All Purpose. If you are going to use Whole Wheat, I highly recommend using honey - it really does work well with the Whole Wheat Flour.

Homemade Bread

Yields 2 Loaves

Ingredients:

2 Cups warm water (110-115°F)

2/3 Cup Sugar (Or Honey)

1 ½ tsp salt

4 TBSP olive oil

6 Cups Flour (I do 2 Cups Whole Wheat + 4 Cups All Purpose – but feel free to use any combination that you’d like)

2 TBSP Dry Yeast

Directions:

1. In a mixer bowl, dissolve sugar in water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to stand until yeast forms a creamy foam on top (about 15 minutes). Turn mixer on low speed (I use setting 2 on my KitchenAid mixer) – add oil, salt, and flour. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and the dough pulls away from the bowl.

2. Remove dough, separate evenly into two balls of dough and place in lightly oiled bowls and cover. Set in a warm place and allow the dough to rise for 2 hours – or until double in size. (I wait the full 2 hours)

3. Do this for each ball of dough: Take dough out of the bowl and use a rolling pin to carefully roll dough out into a rectangle shape, and then fold in thirds. Pinch sides and place in lightly greased loaf pans.

4. Cover and let rise for one more hour.

5. Bake a 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until done.

6. Remove from pan and let cool on a baking rack.

Once the bread is cooled, I wrap mine in wax paper and store in the refrigerator. Feel free to wrap and store in the freezer for future use.

Enjoy!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Class of 2011

2011-12-06T09:44:00.003-06:00

As of yesterday (December 5, 2011) I am now, officially a College Graduate! It has been hard work, and many tears of frustration have been shed trying to achieve this milestone - but by the Lord's grace and an abundance of encouragement and guidance from my husband (Malachi Sewell - who inspired me to get my degree. He has 4 degrees!), mother (Dr. Bridgette Davis), Malachi's mother for recommending Ashford University, and a very special Professor (Professor Duyen Nguyen - my Environmental Science Professor), I graduated! I now hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a Concentration in Education from Ashford University. I have learned so much, and what is even more special is that I have not wavered in my convictions, beliefs, or worldview. If anything, pursuing this degree through a secular university only worked to strengthen my convictions, beliefs, and worldview. I made it through 3 years of college standing firm in my love for the Lord and my family.

It has been an interesting experience, to say the least, but one that I am proud to have accomplished in the face of much adversity. I was once the person that no one believed would ever accomplish anything; yet by the grace of the Lord, He has accomplished much in me! He gets all the credit and glory for all achievements in my life.

And of course, while I hate to admit it, having "credentials" is a nice feeling!

Education Background:
High School Graduate - 1999
USAF Basic Training Graduate - 1999
USAF Dental Assistant Graduate - 2000 (I've even assisted in performing root canals on the Air Force Security Police Dogs when stationed at Barksdale, AFB)
USAF Senior Airman/Journeyman - 2 Year Tour in South Korea at Osan, ABF ROK where I learned skills in Combat Medicine (I've spent at least 8+ hours in Chem Gear, learned how to triage and access critically wounded patients through Combat Exercises repeated every 4 months and headed Infection Control within the Dental Facility when there was no NCOIC available and I implemented a new water purification and monitoring system) -2002-2004 (Total Service Time 1999-2004)
Remington College - Medical Assistant - 2004-2005
Ashford University Alumni - 2008-2011 - Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a Concentration in Education

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Meal Planning and Pre-Preparation

2011-12-05T08:44:00.001-06:00

Picture Credit

I have been planning out weekly meals for a couple of years now and it certainly decreases unnecessary stress in my life. I am constantly searching for easy, healthy and budget friendly meals to prepare for my family; and over the weekend I found two new recipes to put into my "Pre-Preparation" menu planning book. I regularly receive recipes and recipe tips from "Taste of Home" and have really enjoyed adding many of them to my recipe book. This weekend the girls helped me pre-make some jars for a new Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe from "Taste of Home".

Pasta Fagioli Soup Mix

I purchased big bags of dried beans and after the girls measured them and poured them into our Mason jars, I decided to store what was left over into clean Mason Jars - I wish I would have thought of this idea before! Storing my dried beans, rice, and granola ingredients in quart or pint sized Mason jars not only makes my pantry more organized but is just a cute idea!

Some of my dry ingredients stored in Mason Jars

On Saturday I made fresh chicken stock from the carcass of a rotisserie chicken I purchased from Whole Foods and was able to freeze 4 cups and put two quart sized Mason jars of the stock in my ice box for use during the week. This was the first time I've made my own chicken stock - I don't think I will go back to buying the carton stuff anymore. It was super simple and inexpensive. I love DIY projects!


Homemade Chicken Stock

Meal planning and pre-making certain items for different meals throughout the week is a great idea to maximize your time each day. I like using Saturdays for my big baking day. I was able to make two loaves of bread, the chicken stock, and the pre-made Pasta Fagioli Soup mix for this week. I saved money by making my own bread (I've gotten out of the habit of doing this and it costs me $3.99 a loaf at Whole Foods) and chicken stock (this costs me $1.99 a carton at Whole Foods), and it just feels good to get out of the habit of being dependent on the grocery store for certain items that are easily made at home for a fraction of the cost.

Creating a weekly meal plan helps to cut down on unnecessary trips to the grocery store, which in turn cuts down on unnecessary stress that may come from not being fully prepared for each meal. Managing your time wisely is part of being the keeper of your home (Titus 2:3-5). The more time spent outside of the home because of poor planning can wreak havoc on your day, week, and most of all your family. For our family, because my husband gets paid weekly, I do our grocery shopping every Saturday. This gives my husband some daddy/daughter time with the girls, and I can get in and out of the grocery store in a timely manner. I make sure I have a detailed grocery list for all of the items I will need during the week which corresponds with my weekly meal plan. If I forget an item, then I simply improvise with something else - or we just do without it; if it isn't an essential item like toilet paper.

How do you plan your meals? What are you "staple" meals that are on your weekly menu every week? What techniques or strategies do you use to help cut down on meal preparation?

I read this today and thought I would share it with my readers. Enjoy!

Exegetical Defense of the Woman as Keeper At Home: By William Einwechter (Th.M.)

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Homemaking 101 DVD

2011-12-02T16:22:00.003-06:00

This DVD arrived today from Family Vision Films! The girls and I sat down and enjoyed every minute of it - including the Bonus Material! Mrs. Jennifer Ross was such a delightful hostess and I can't wait to get a chance to sit down and write a proper review! Homemaking 101 is a definite "must have" in any Homemaker's or aspiring Homemaker's arsenal of Titus 2 resources!

Review to come soon!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal<><

Love Letters

2011-12-01T09:46:00.005-06:00

On this 1st day of December I am reminded that Malachi and I will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary in 19 days (December 20th). Every year around this time the Lord brings back such sweet memories of how He brought Malachi into my life. I am aware that our "meeting" is unusual and possibly an exception, but no less a testimony of the Lord's Divine Providence and Sovereignty in our lives.

We met shortly after I was released from the ICU after my suicide attempt back in October 2004. Malachi was employed at the Crisis Stabilization Unit that I was transferred to for observation and treatment - and to determine whether or not I would be sent to the State hospital for further treatment/observation. I met him the very first night I was at the CSU after a kind elderly nurse attempted to comfort me in my confusion and despair about all that had taken place in the prior days. She escorted me to a bay area and asked me to wait quietly while she enlisted the aid of another colleague. The colleague was none other than Malachi! He sat and listened to my life's story through the tears and anguish, and gently encouraged me in the Lord. He was so thoughtful to sit and listen to me until about 4am the next morning, under the watchful supervision of the kind elderly nurse. He also shared with me some things that the Lord had recently brought him through and testified to the unspeakable reward there is when we trust and obey the Lord.

Through the weeks that followed Malachi and I exchanged over 100 letters. Letters that the Lord used to greatly encourage and edify me. Written words that flowed from two hearts that desperately desired to honor the Lord. Letters written that revealed just how wounded I was but yet how amazingly healed I was becoming through the Lord Jesus Christ. These letters are now affectionately known as our "Love Letters". They reveal the progression of a friendship that the Lord founded for each of us, that He also made blossom into a godly romantic affection.

The letters written between me and Malachi (over 100)

I reminisce on those events as though they took place just yesterday, and I still marvel at what the Lord has accomplished in our lives. I am so grateful to have those letters in my possession. I can go back and read through them anytime I wish. They are a constant reminder of the Lord's love for me and my husband. I couldn't imagine our meeting being any other way. Each part of it points right back to the Lord - what an amazing thing!

Have you written love letters to your spouse? Do you write love letters to your spouse? I highly encourage every wife, no matter how silly it may seem, to take a few moments, sit down and thoughtfully and lovingly pen (not type) a letter expressing your love, respect, and devotion to your husband.

The book that Malachi and I are currently reading together is "The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers: The Christian Lover" by Michael A.G. Haykin with Victoria Haykin. It has been so sweet to read the letters that Martin Luther wrote to his worrisome wife, or the words written by John Calvin describing his utter heartbreak when he lost his beloved wife, Idelette. Upon losing his wife, Calvin writes to his good friend Pierre Viret:

"And truly mine is no common source of grief. I have been bereaved of the best companion of my life, of one who, had it been so ordered, would not only have been the willing sharer of my indigence, but even of my death. During her life she was the faithful helper of my ministry. From her I never experienced the slightest hindrance. She was never troublesome to me throughout the entire course of her illness; she was more anxious about her children than about herself."

Wow! What great affection and respect Calvin had for his Idelette. Will my husband speak so graciously of me should the Lord take me before him? I do pray it be so. I know for me, I have not one negative thing to speak of my husband. He has been the kindest and most lovingly person in my life. He has never complained about anything - but has always been a spring of encouragement and long suffering. I only pray the Lord would make me half the spouse my husband is to me. My life would not be the same without my darling husband.

If you have the opportunity to purchase the book I mentioned above, please do, you will be greatly blessed by it. I especially love the letters between Philip and Mercy Doddridge. I may post more on the two love birds later. But for now I leave you with this:

"the woman was created, and given to man in marriage, not merely for the purpose of propagating the species, but for that of promoting his and her own felicity."

~ Samuel Stennett (1727-1795)

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Wordless Wednesday - Fun with Dress Up

2011-11-30T15:19:00.001-06:00

The Attack of the "Green Smoothie"

2011-11-30T10:27:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, over the past several years we have completely changed our philosophy on nutrition and medicine to a more holistic approach to caring for the bodies the Lord has given us. This means that we eat organic or all-natural foods (gotta be careful with "all-natural" though because often times it isn't all that "natural") and we treat many illnesses at home through food (LOTS of garlic as it is a natural antibiotic) and vitamin supplements like vitamin C and D3. I do my best to steer clear of processed packaged foods as they generally contain hidden ingredients such as MSG and other nasty stuff that isn't good for our bodies - however when I do buy canned items they are always organic and from Whole Foods (they do not allow BPA or other toxic canning chemicals) and are things like canned diced tomatoes or spaghetti sauce - although I am trying hard to get better at canning my own tomato products.

I have known about the "Green Smoothie" phenomenon for some time and we've tried it out on several occasions and found they are simply delicious and do provide the needed energy our bodies need to make it through the day, sadly however, I have not been as "gung ho" on this one as with other things in our diet - to my shame of course. This morning after putting Eleanor down for her nap and the girls are watching a movie that coincides with our Bible lesson; I decided to catch up on blog reading and came across this ~~little~~ BIG gem. It is a blog post from a new blog I recently came across - Large Families on Purpose - and their inclusion of the "Green Smoothie" into their morning routine for breakfast. After reading through it, I am convinced that I need to make adding a green smoothie into our breakfast routine more of a priority. (I do need to get a new blender though as mine kicked the bucket on Thanksgiving Day!)

I know of several other people who have incorporated a green smoothie into their menu planning for breakfast meals and they have had nothing but wonderful things to say about it. I would however, when possible, make fresh juice to add to ours as I do have a very nice juicer. I believe all in all, this is a great idea that would be quite easy for everyone who is health conscious to add into their arsenal of recipes - your bodies will thank you!

Do you make green smoothies already? If so, what are your favorite recipes? Do your children have a favorite "green smoothie" recipe? I'd love to hear from my fellow "Green Smoothie'ers", so leave a comment below with your best recipes!

*Note* The picture above is from Whole Foods' website that is attached to a very tasty recipe for a "Double Green Smoothie" - Go check it out!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

-I do not necessarily "agree" with everything posted on the blog I recommended.

Being the Keeper of MY Home

2011-11-29T15:00:00.001-06:00

I am learning, as I get older (and hopefully more mature in the faith) that I need to be reminded constantly that as a Christian wife and mother, I am to be the keeper of my home; MY own home. I am learning to simply mind my own business and tend to the things for which the Lord has set before me to tend to. This means focusing on my husband, children and of course my own home. It seems in the past few years I've become preoccupied with different things that while not in and of themselves is wrong, are simply not necessary and often times a spoiler of my time. Have you ever felt this way?

I simply cannot keep up with what everyone else is doing (or not doing) whom do not live in my home. I only have 24 hours in each day, and because of the particular season I am in at the moment (the mom of little ones) I really should be more mindful of my time. This is one reason that I make it a point NOT to talk on the phone during the week, and then even still very little on the weekends. It seems each time I get on the phone to catch up with a friend or a family member who lives out of town, I neglect those who are depending on me the most; my children - and sometimes my husband. It becomes a time where my children are left to themselves and everyone knows this becomes a recipe for disaster. Before Eleanor was born, it was much easier as Sofia and Charlotte napped, leaving me with time to either nap with them or make those phone calls to friends; times have changed for sure. Sofia no longer naps (Praise the Lord that she took regular naps until a few months after her 5th birthday!), and Eleanor and Charlotte are on different nap schedules - which is perfectly fine with me. All this means is that at any given time, one or two (or all three) of the children are awake and in need of their momma. There are lulls in the day where they are playing quietly and I generally use these times to prepare meals, read a little, clean a little, check emails, or blog. I used to use night times after the girls were in bed to do these things, but by the time they are in bed I am exhausted; not to mention that I'd like to spend time with my dear husband too.

Even knowing all that I mentioned above I still find it difficult to get everything done. I am learning that "getting it all done" isn't the point of life; but loving and nurturing my husband and children for the glory of the Lord is the point. In doing the latter I am declaring the Gospel to an unbelieving world. Obeying the Lord and spending my time at home making my life's work about serving my family not only brings God glory but brings me much joy and keeps me from getting entangled in frivolous things.

As I was checking out one of my favorite blogs, A Wise Woman, I was thrilled to see the news about the teaching DVD - Homemaking 101: Vision Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives by Jennifer Ross! I ordered my copy and I can't wait to watch it and gain some wisdom and encouragement within the areas of Homemaking that I seem to struggle with.

Mrs. Fuentes shared on her blog (A Wise Woman) that:

"Jennifer is the mom to 11 children ages 19 months to 21 years old and wife to author, Jason Ross. She is owner of the blog, Renewing Housewives, and author of the ebook, Encouraging Challenges. She has a heart for her family and homemaking and this new DVD is one that they had their heart set on making for years."

"Homemaking 101 is priced at $15.95 but Jennifer is graciously offering a special 25% OFF discount to our readers! Just use the discount code:

25off"

"You can find Homemaking 101 at Family Vision Films (great place for getting your family movies!) also you can follow them on their Facebook fan page.

You can following Renewing Housewives on Facebook here.
and on Twitter here..

Thank you, Jennifer!"

I too want to "thank" Jennifer for taking the time and making such a valuable teaching tool for those of us who are still learning about homemaking. Even though I am 30 years old, I still have so much to learn from older godly women. I am thankful for the internet, for which the Lord has used to help His children learn from each other across the miles.

Once I view the film I will be sure to write up a review!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Eleanor Michelle - 9 months

2011-11-28T09:27:00.002-06:00

My sweet Eleanor is 9 months old today! Where does the time go? I feel like she is growing up faster than I can keep up! She is such a precious child. Each morning I'm greeted with a big smile and every night I'm blessed to snuggle with this sweet darling.

Eleanor is still exclusively breastfeeding. She isn't keen on solid foods yet, although she does like mangoes and avocados - just not frequently. We decided to skip the whole rice cereal thing because it is just empty calories and doesn't provide any real nutritional value to her diet. My midwife recommended that we just follow Eleanor's lead and let her use her hands to figure out what she likes and doesn't like. It is so different than how we started solids with Sofia and Charlotte, and I'm glad my midwife mentioned it because I really like this approach.

Eleanor took her first unassisted steps on Saturday! I totally missed it because I was grocery shopping! Malachi said she took two small steps to my recliner without holding onto anything! She has attempted to do it again but can't seem to move that little foot. It is much like when she wanted to crawl; she would get up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth, then she'd just lay back down on her belly. Sofia took her first steps on her 1st birthday, but didn't really walk for a few months after that. Charlotte began walking at 10 months, and now it looks like Miss Eleanor has broken that record by taking her first steps a few days before making it to 9 months old!

I love this baby, and all my babies for that matter. I feel so blessed to be their mother!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Motherhood as a Missions Field

2011-11-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been greatly discouraged, yet the Lord has been so gracious to remind me of all of the things for which should bring me great comfort and encouragement. Christian mothers become disenchanted with Motherhood or exhaust themselves trying to find some other “ministry” that is more worthwhile or one that makes them feel like they are doing more work for the Gospel. I’m learning that Motherhood in and of itself IS a mission field. It is an honorable and humbling mission field that the Lord has blessed women with the work of doing. Raising Godly Children has yet again reminded me of this nugget of truth and it has brought me great encouragement. They shared an article from John Piper that I believe will not only convict others and put things in perspective but should encourage and edify as well. I am doing Gospel work by obeying the Lord and furthering the Gospel by firmly yet lovingly discipling my children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. For a mother, there is no greater calling or work that can compare to investing into the souls of their children.

Enjoy the article and please head over to Raising Godly Children and check out all of the great articles and resources.

Motherhood as a Missions Field

There is a good old saying, perhaps only said by my Grandfather, that distance adds intrigue. It is certainly true — just think back to anything that has ever been distant from you that is now near. Your driver’s license. Marriage. Children. Things that used to seem so fascinating, but as they draw near become less mystical and more, well, real.

This same principle certainly applies to mission fields too. The closer you get to home, the less intriguing the work of sacrifice seems. As someone once said, “Everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to help Mom with the dishes.” When you are a mother at home with your children, the church is not clamoring for monthly ministry updates. When you talk to other believers, there is not any kind of awe about what you are sacrificing for the gospel. People are not pressing you for needs you might have, how they can pray for you. It does not feel intriguing, or glamorous. Your work is normal, because it is as close to home as you can possibly be. You have actually gone so far as to become home.

Home: The Headwaters of Mission

If you are a Christian woman who loves the Lord, the gospel is important to you. It is easy to become discouraged, thinking that the work you are doing does not matter much. If you were really doing something for Christ you would be out there, somewhere else, doing it. Even if you have a great perspective on your role in the kingdom, it is easy to lose sight of it in the mismatched socks, in the morning sickness, in the dirty dishes. It is easy to confuse intrigue with value, and begin viewing yourself as the least valuable part of the Church.

There are a number of ways in which mothers need to study their own roles, and begin to see them, not as boring and inconsequential, but as home, the headwaters of missions.

At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel. Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Motherhood provides you with an opportunity to lay down the things that you cannot keep on behalf of the people that you cannot lose. They are eternal souls, they are your children, they are your mission field.

Faith Makes the Small Offering Great

If you are like me, then you may be thinking “What did I ever give up for them? A desk job? Time at the gym? Extra spending money? My twenty- year- old figure? Some sleep?” Doesn’t seem like much when you put it next to the work of some of the great missionaries, people who gave their lives for the gospel.

Think about the feeding of the five thousand when the disciples went out and rounded up the food that was available. It wasn’t much. Some loaves. Some fish. Think of some woman pulling her fish out and handing it to one of the disciples. That had to have felt like a small offering. But the important thing about those loaves and those fishes was not how big they were when they were given, it was about whose hands they were given into. In the hands of the Lord, that offering was sufficient. It was more than sufficient. There were leftovers. Given in faith, even a small offering becomes great.

Look at your children in faith, and see how many people will be ministered to by your ministering to them. How many people will your children know in their lives? How many grandchildren are represented in the faces around your table now?

Gain What You Cannot Lose in Them

So, if mothers are strategically situated to impact missions so greatly, why do we see so little coming from it? I think the answer to this is quite simple: sin. Discontent, pettiness, selfishness, resentment. Christians often feel like the right thing to do is to be ashamed about what we have. We hear that quote of Jim Elliot’s and think that we ought to sell our homes and move to some place where they need the gospel.

But I’d like to challenge you to look at it differently. Giving up what you cannot keep does not mean giving up your home, or your job so you can go serve somewhere else. It is giving up yourself. Lay yourself down. Sacrifice yourself here, now. Cheerfully wipe the nose for the fiftieth time today. Make dinner again for the people who don’t like the green beans. Laugh when your plans are thwarted by a vomiting child. Lay yourself down for the people here with you, the people who annoy you, the people who get in your way, the people who take up so much of your time that you can’t read anymore. Rejoice in them. Sacrifice for them. Gain that which you cannot lose in them.

It is easy to think you have a heart for orphans on the other side of the world, but if you spend your time at home resenting the imposition your children are on you, you do not. You cannot have a heart for the gospel and a fussiness about your life at the same time. You will never make any difference there if you cannot be at peace here. You cannot have a heart for missions, but not for the people around you. A true love of the gospel overflows and overpowers. It will be in everything you do, however drab, however simple, however repetitive.

God loves the little offerings. Given in faith, that plate of PB&J’s will feed thousands. Given in faith, those presents on Christmas morning will bring delight to more children than you can count. Offered with thankfulness, your work at home is only the beginning. Your laundry pile, selflessly tackled daily, will be used in the hands of God to clothe many. Do not think that your work does not matter. In God’s hands, it will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers.

Article from Desiring God

Our Thanksgiving - 2011

2011-11-24T18:16:00.000-06:00

We had a splendidly scrumptious Thanksgiving. The morning began with Malachi making Indian and Pilgrim hats with Sofia and Charlotte while I prepared our Thanksgiving feast. I have prepared the Thanksgiving meal for the past 2 years and this year was no different, except we had no guests. We did invite a couple of friends over for dessert, but they were unable to make it.

The day was not without challenges and obstacles - my blender kicked the bucket, but I also learned that roasting pumpkins and sweet potatoes is a far more superior way to prepare them for cakes and pies than boiling them or using the processed can stuff. I was also quite proud of myself for making everything from scratch - which I've done in the past but not without utilizing a few short cuts (like canned pureed pumpkin and sweet potatoes). If I could have milked a cow and made my own butter or hunted down my own turkey I sure would have!

Our Thanksgiving dinner was super delicious and after years of hating sweet potatoes I have finally come to love them - IF they are roasted. I changed a couple of recipes that I had used before and used recipes I'd never used before. All in all, our day was filled with fun, laughter, a few tears, and much thankfulness that the Lord has blessed us so much! While I love hosting and sharing this day with lots of people, I have to admit that just spending the day serving my husband and children has made this Thanksgiving the best one I've ever been blessed to enjoy.

This was our Thanksgiving Menu:

Turkey - I just bought the breast part of the Turkey from Whole Foods (Seasoned with a little EVOO, Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper and Garlic - yep, that's it!)
Mashed Potatoes
Gravy - Made from the turkey drippings (I added a little white wine to de-glaze the pan)
Sweet Potato Souffle' - Used my mom's recipe but made some changes (Roasted the sweet potatoes and added a little bit of organic maple syrup and added handmade marshmallows on top)
Cranberry Relish - Made this myself with fresh cranberries, orange juice and some cane sugar)

Pecan Pie (Made the pie crust - no yuky red dye!)
Pumpkin Cake Bars (I bought two pumpkin pie pumpkins from Whole Foods and had the girls scoop out the seeds and I roasted the pumpkin and the seeds -YUM!)

We have lots of food left over and I'm going to make a Thanksgiving Pot Pie tomorrow. I made three pie crusts today and only used one for the Pecan Pie, so the other two will be used for the pot pie. I have left over roasted pumpkin that I'm looking for something to do with. Whew! My belly is so stuffed that I don't even think I can stand to talk about food anymore!

I pray that everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving Day celebrations! I also hope that you spent time reflecting on those things you are most Thankful for. Today I was reminded that I am most thankful for the Lord's grace and mercy in my life. He continues to remind me of this through my husband and children. I do not have to jump through hoops to win their love and acceptance - it is showered on me in spite of my imperfections. I just pray that at the end of the day I have served them well and for the glory of the Lord. Soli Deo Gloria!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:46:00.000-06:00

Picture Credit

Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <><

Lilla Rose Hair Accessories - Product Recommendation

2011-11-23T08:34:00.002-06:00

I have been growing my hair out since I became pregnant with Eleanor. I find it difficult to find ways to “do” my hair because it is so stringy and straight. Well, I found a solution thanks to a wonderful product from Lilla Rose via Shannon Ferraby. I ordered a clip for me and one each for the girls, and we L-O-V-E them! It works perfectly with my hair and I can’t wait to purchase a few more.

The girls' hair is more like Malachi’s – thick and wavy/curly and the ex-small clips work very well for their hair. I have not been satisfied with the hair accessory products that I’ve been getting because either there are pointy sharp ends or edges, or the pony tail holders wear out and break or slip out throughout the day. The Lilla Rose clips are easy and functional. I love that they can be used to create different hair styles without the need for several different things. I just love them! What more can I say? They are elegant and super feminine.

Here are a couple of pictures. The first one is the clip I ordered for my hair and the other is the one I ordered for Sofia and Charlotte.

I am using the Freestyle Princess Tiara Clip (Size: Medium)

The girls each got the Tree of Life Clip (Size: Extra Small)

What is even better is that Malachi loves them too! He was so impressed with the quality and durability of the product, not to mention how nice it looks in our hair. He said buying these clips was money well spent.

If you are looking for something new to help manage your mane, then I highly recommend Lilla Rose Clips! Please head over and visit Shannon Ferraby’s website for a complete list of products and demo videos.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

7 Things to Do With Your Family This Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T17:03:00.000-06:00

By Douglas W. Phillips

Many of my happiest memories as a young man, and now as the head of my own household, come from Thanksgiving. Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been a day where our dearest loved ones gather around the table and feast, followed by a time of poetry reading, Scripture recitations, song, more feasting, and family story telling. But more than anything, Thanksgiving has come to be a time when we focus as a family on gratitude. It is a time to humble ourselves in the face of God’s great mercy, and to chronicle the providences and blessings of God in our life. One of the blessings for which we are most grateful is you — the many friends of Vision Forum. So this year, the Phillips family wants to begin our Thanksgiving celebration by sharing seven simple recommendations for your own day of thanksgiving.

1. Stop and Thank God from the Bottom of Your Heart and the Depths of Your Soul

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. —Psalm 95:1-6

If you were to spend every waking moment of every day for the rest of your life noting God’s goodness, you would never begin to chronicle all the things for which you should thank the Lord. His blessings are innumerable. But on this day, take time to chronicle much. Get very specific. Thank the Lord for all things: Thank him for your provision, and the protection He has given to you all year. Thank Him for the pains and sorrows that are driving you closer to Him. Thank Him for the problems you have, and thank Him for all the horrors from which you have been spared. Thank Him for your parents, your children, and your loved ones. Thank Him for the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Thank Him for those friends who love you and who you love. Thank Him for the opportunities He has given to you. Thank Him for the mentors in your life. Thank Him for the sweet seasons and the beautiful memories He has given to you. Thank Him for His Church and His Word. But most of all thank Him for Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, you can be forgiven of sins, reconciled to the Father, and have the promise of eternal life.

2. Share the Greatest Stories of the Pilgrim Fathers and God’s Providence

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.—Deuteronomy 32:7

Thanksgiving Day is a time for quizzes and story-telling. A great place to begin is by dedicating time to recount the rich historical evidence of the providence of God in the life of this nation through the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims. From their humble beginnings as a cadre of faithful friends and devoted Christians meeting in Scrooby, England, to their visionary leadership and perseverance in the New World at Plymouth Plantation, these faithful Separatists left one of the greatest legacies in the history of the New Testament Church. Yet most American Christians know little to nothing of the true story of these indefatigable men and women of God. This Thanksgiving, remedy the problem by telling their story. If you don’t have any of the many books on the Pilgrims available from Vision Forum, do a little online research. Visit the website of Pilgrim Hall Museum, for example. Share the stories of the friendship of William Bradford and William Brewster; of the persecution of the Scrooby Congregation; of the hardship and perseverance of the families on board theMayflower; of the first Sabbath at Pulpit Rock; of the importance of the Church covenant and of the long first winter in America. Tell how God used a young Indian boy named Squanto to save the colonists, and share the story of the peace treaty between the Pilgrims and Chief Massasoit which lasted fifty years. Make sure to read the farewell letter of pastor John Robinson to his congregation. Have your children join in the story-telling. Make sure to emphasize the faithfulness and providence of the Lord.

3. Read the Fourth Chapter from Of Plymouth Plantation Aloud to Your Family

Last and not least, they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least making some ways toward it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work.—William Bradford

If you only read from one book outside the Bible this Thanksgiving, make it Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford. And if you only have time for one chapter, make sure it is the fourth. It is in this chapter that we learn about the true reasons why these home-schooling pilgrims debated over whether or not they should risk their lives to go to America, the ultimate reasons for their departure (including concern over bad peer influences with their children), and their tremendous confidence in God. Most importantly, it is here that you read of Bradford’s multi-generational vision of victory. Note: From the approximately fifty survivors of the first winter, more than 30 million descendants have come.

4. Take a Pilgrimage to the Homes of the Pilgrims — From Your Living Room

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.—Proverbs 22:28

We are losing our landmarks to liberty in our nation. As I documented in my article Plymouth Crock, we are even desecrating the landmarks to our Pilgrim fathers. This is one reason why I believe it is so important that we physically bring our children to the great Ebenezers of our freedom while they yet remain. Finally, after more than a decade leading families to Plymouth, home of the Pilgrim fathers, I was able to take 100 Americans this year on a journey to Scrooby, England, and the little manor house where the Pilgrim congregation was birthed. What a journey! Please let me share it with you by watching the video which I have posted on my blog. Then learn about the little eight-hundred-year-old manor house that changed the world in my article, “A Pilgrimage to Scrooby.”

5. Read George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation at the Dinner Table

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to “recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.—George Washington

The practice of setting aside days of prayer, days of fasting and humiliation before the Lord, and days of thanksgiving for the mercies ofJesus Christ was practiced by our Pilgrim and Puritan fathers, promoted by our legislatures and Congress, and honored by our presidents. On this national day of Thanksgiving, let’s remember that we do not honor a “turkey day,” but the God of Heaven who George Washington described in his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, as “the great Lord and Ruler of Nations.” I recommend that you print off the proclamation and read it before your dinner meal.

6. Tell the Story of the Providence of God in the Life of Your Family

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. —Psalm 78:2-4

The Lord has not only blessed this nation with a rich providential history, but you too have a story that needs to be told. Your children need to hear it and understand the mercies of God in the life of your family. So, this Thanksgiving, chronicle all that God has done in the history of your family. How many generations has your family been in America? How did they get here? When, if ever, did your fathers embrace the Gospel?

7. Purpose to Fight Hard and Hold Fast

History is not made by majorities, but by dedicated minorities of like-minded friends who have joined together in common cause. This was the Pilgrim legacy, and it must be ours as well. To change the world, courageous men and women must “fight hard and hold fast” to the things they know to be true. Most people will not fight hard and hold fast (which is why most people are spectators instead of world-changers). If you are grateful, purpose to be engaged. Purpose to be part of an important work for the Lord. Purpose to stand with those who are fighting hard and holding fast. Purpose to be a twenty-first-century pilgrim for Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Happy Thanksgiving! On behalf of Beall, Joshua, Justice, Liberty, Jubilee, Faith Evangeline, Honor, Providence, and Virginia, and all the families of Vision Forum, we wish you a truly happy, truly grateful, truly blessed Thanksgiving Day! May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may He cause His face to shine upon you.

Article from The Vision Forum

Geerhardus Johannes Vos [1862 -1949]

2011-11-20T09:19:00.001-06:00


Geerhardus Johannes Vos [1862 -1949]

"The man who thinks he can carry on his business life, or his political life, or his social life, without God is to that extent an irreligious person. The teacher who thinks that his relation to God does not affect his teaching of chemistry, or his interpretation of European history, is to that extent an irreligious person. The consistent Christian will realize that his religion is the ruling principle of all his life, and that there is nothing in life which can be isolated from his relation to God."

I often times am puzzled why more Christians fail to understand this basic concept. Christians cannot compartmentalize their beliefs on certain subjects as though God is not concerned with it, or that He simply is neutral on some things and not others. How foolish we are to think that God takes a neutral position on anything! Lord, search my heart and show me where I've left you out and then show me what Your will is, and help me to conform to it and defend it via Your Word (Sola Scriptura), to the death, regardless of persecution.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15

Soli Deo Gloria!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Gentle and Quiet Spirit

2011-11-09T14:07:00.001-06:00

“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

On Sunday the ladies at church and I were discussing briefly about how we all long to have a “gentle and quiet spirit” as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:4. This came up after comments about our physical bodies after having children. I was so encouraged to hear that I am not in the company of other women competing to look like a model on the cover of some popular magazine. The focus then shifted to encouraging one another to want what God wants; and that He is not focusing on the “baby belly” that many of us have but on the “inner beauty” that He finds most feminine and God honoring. He is most glorified when His daughters find joy and delight in those things that bring Him glory and honor; qualities that reflect the beauty of His creation.

I was not created to draw attention or adoration to myself; either by way of being the social center of attention, or by my appearance through being too focused on clothes or hairstyles. I was created to glorify the Lord Most High and this means that I should be content with how He made me. I love the idea of wearing my “baby belly” as a proud badge of honor – I am a mother! I have had three sweet babies whom I adore immensely; why should I be ashamed that my body bears witness to this? Having a “gentle and quiet spirit” means that we are to not worry or allow ourselves to become caught up in things which draw our affections away from serving and loving the Lord.

I hope that in the weeks to come, I will have time to elaborate more of how the Lord is working in my life on this particular issue. In the meantime, I pray that the Lord would search my heart and remove all of the things that are stumbling blocks for me. I long to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord alone – being a helpmeet to my adoring husband, loving mother to my sweet darlings, and a faithful friend to those whom the Lord has given to me as friends.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <><

Eleanor Michelle - 8 Months Old

2011-10-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

Silly Friday Pictures

2011-10-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

I took these a week ago and I just thought I'd share them with you all. Eleanor is 7 1/2 months old now and is just a sweetie pie; as you can see. Sofia and Charlotte; well, they are just so silly sometimes; as you can see as well.

Today we are taking Charlotte to see her gastro doc, and praying all goes well. In the spirit of keeping everything lighthearted I thought I'd post these silly pictures :0)

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Update on Charlotte

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week will be filled with much to accomplish. Last week Charlotte had her blood sugars tested as well as her urine. Praise the Lord her blood sugar was 98 (normal) and her urine was negative for sugar and ketones! Charlotte’s appointment with the gastroenterologist will be this Friday. Last Friday the doctor fell ill and needed us to reschedule. We are still uncertain exactly what she will want to test for this time as I think Charlotte has gone through every test imaginable. According to the pediatrician there are only 3 reasons that Charlotte’s breath would smell the way it does:

1. Type 1 Diabetes (ruled out)

2. Diet consisting of primarily meat and vegetables with no carbs or starches (not the case with our diet)

3. Dehydration (not the case because she pees all the time – this is why we suspected Type 1 Diabetes)

The pediatrician mentioned that it could be some sort of autoimmune issue, but didn’t suspect that either because Charlotte has already been tested for several autoimmune disorders. Charlotte was weighed last week and only weighed 27lbs 6oz, so for a 3 year old she is extremely underweight (Read: Tiny). Other than being born weighing 10lbs, Charlotte has always been “tiny”, but healthy. So, I presume that nothing will come out of the appointment with the gastro doctor other than Charlotte is just small.

We appreciate all of the prayers and words of encouragement. We know the Lord is Sovereign and that anything that happens does so according to His will.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Blessed Beyond Measure

2011-10-10T09:03:00.000-05:00

I suspect that every year people use a particular day or week to reflect on their lives and give thanks for all the Lord has done. This is my week for reflection. I have shared with you all for the past several years about my testimony and how the Lord saved me (You can read through the posts here). Last night we attended a new Reformed FIC church for worship and fellowship and we (Malachi and I) were given an opportunity to share our testimonies. As I was giving a bit of background on my childhood and young adult life I got to the part of my testimony where I killed myself: October 10, 2011, and it dawned on me that the next day (today) would be that anniversary. Wow. Seven years ago today I took my life.

Moment of Silence.

Remembering all of this brings with it a very heavy sense of reality. Had the Lord not saved me that day, I would be in hell. I was not saved then, although I did say the “Sinner’s Prayer” and was baptized at the age of 12 or 13. I’ve known for years now that I was not saved then, and wasn’t saved when I committed suicide. I hated God. My life was never a reflection of His presence in me. I was an unregenerate filthy heathen that only lived to satisfy myself. Yeah, I wore the cross, and could quote John 3:16 but I did not “know” the Lord as my personal Lord and Savior. I was still a slave to sin. God’s wrath was upon me and I was at enmity with Him every single day. I abused narcotic medication. I found comfort in alcohol and was a sexual deviant. I was disgustingly depraved and had no inclination that I was; remember, I said the “Sinner’s Prayer”. I owned a Bible with my name engraved on the front cover that I purchased when I was 15 or 16 – never read it. I gave the illusion that I was a Christian by merely saying “Yeah, I’m a Christian”; but had absolutely no idea what that meant and was never encouraged to find out nor was I ever encouraged or instructed on how to live as Christ. Being a “Christian” in my family or in my circle of friends was more like being an LSU Tigers fan; it just happens to be the team I associate myself with. I was not a “real” team player.

The Lord chose to save me. Why? I did not, and still do not, deserve it. I did nothing to merit His compassion. In fact, I did everything to merit His wrath. I can speak with absolutely certainty that He saved me for His glory alone. He proved Himself Sovereign and merciful the day He opened my eyes (literally) to His presence. My initial reaction to being alive was anger and then when He made His presence known, despair and shamefulness. I was ashamed of what I was compared to Who He Is. He softened my heart and brought me to repentance. He loved me first and chose me to be His own. I was fully aware of depth of my depravity which also made it quite clear as to the magnitude of His grace and mercy.

Here I am, seven years later alive, and more importantly alive in Christ. I am no longer a fake or fraud. I know Christ and live my life to glorify Him alone. I know what the scriptures say now, and by His grace I can obey Him. When I stumble, He is faithful to restore me to an upright position. He has blessed me with a loving Godly husband who protects me as a husband should. I am the blessed mother of 8 children and the Lord has allowed me to keep 3 of them to raise up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. My past is always in the forefront of my mind, reminding me of the Lord’s goodness and mercy. I did not and still do not deserve His compassion. Soli Deo Gloria!

Father God, I thank you that you saved me and that You continue to shape and mold me into the imagine of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please keep me humble before You, and may You alone receive the Glory and Praise for my life. In Your Son’s Holy Name, Amen.

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

Romans 9:16

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Update on Charlotte

2011-10-06T09:23:00.000-05:00

Silly Charlotte

Good Morning Everyone,

I’d like to thank everyone for keeping Charlotte in prayer, and for the emails filled with words of encouragement. Yesterday was a rough day for my sweet Charlotte, but she was as brave as she could be and she survived. Charlotte’s blood sugar was 98 (normal) and after waiting for what seemed like forever for a urine sample, the results showed no sugar or ketones in her urine. This is excellent news! This rules out Type 1 Diabetes, but doesn’t adequately explain her low weight.

Charlotte will see her gastroenterologist on Friday for another round of “rule outs”. Charlotte’s weight yesterday was 27.6lbs. For a 3 year old this is low, but nothing surprising. While she was born weighing 10lbs, by the time she was about 4 months she was only 12lbs. So, she didn’t “lose” any weight, she just never gained the weight that doctor’s expected she would. The last round of testing that Charlotte went through was for Cystic Fibrosis (negative), Crohn’s Disease (negative) and Celiac’s Disease (negative). The doctor also tested her stool to see how well she was absorbing nutrients from her food and breast milk and that test was perfect, in fact the doctor was left scratching her head as to what could be keeping Charlotte so small. When we went through this 2 year ago I was a nervous wreck, but now that diabetes has been ruled out, I’m not so worried. I have a feeling they may test for some sort of autoimmune disorder, but I have a feeling that will turn out negative as well. I really believe that Charlotte is “normal”. Charlotte rarely gets sick, and when she does recovers quicker than Sofia (I believe this is because I nurse Charlotte for 14 months and Sofia for only 6 weeks).

One thing I know for sure is that Charlotte’s body has no problems absorbing nutrients. During the time that she was being tested, the doctor advised us to give Charlotte 3 pediasure a day (this would add a lot more calories to her diet than needed), and Charlotte still did not gain the weight the doctor anticipated she would, BUT she never lost weight. She then gave us some samples of this super-duper potent pediasure stuff and the result was the same; no real big weight gain but no weight loss.

In the end, I think we’re going to be right where we started…scratching our heads. I think Charlotte is healthy and happy and tiny. I’m not a fan of putting children through tests until we find something wrong, so if the gastro doctor can’t explain this on Friday then I doubt we will do anymore testing. The last round of tests she did our insurance didn’t cover and we were stuck with a $300 bill, only for the results to be negative (which we already expected).

Please continue to keep us in prayer; Charlotte is not a fan of doctors; as I am sure you all can understand. Thanks again to everyone who is continuing to prayerfully support our family! We are so grateful!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Prayer Request for Charlotte

2011-10-04T12:20:00.001-05:00

Most people who have been following my blog, or been friends with me since Charlotte was born (July 2008) knows that she was born with a heart condition (SVT) and then went through a year or two of different medical tests because of her weight. As of January 2010, her gastroenterologist couldn’t find anything wrong (CF negative, Crohn’s Disease negative, Celiac Disease negative, etc), however something new has popped up and we need to take Charlotte to the doctor.

Charlotte was born weighing in a whopping 10lbs. Shortly after she was born the nurse handed her to me and I nursed her. When the nurse took her back to do all of the heal sticks and cleaning up stuff the nurse chewed me out for nursing her because she couldn’t tell if her sugar levels were already elevated prior to nursing, or elevated because I nursed her. However, all of that was overshadowed because of her heart rate spiking to 280bpm. She was then rushed to the NICU and the rest is history. Throughout her first year of life she plummeted off of the growth chart below the 3rd percentile and she was tested for all kinds of things that would explain this. It was a rough first year, but once she was off of the heart medication she started sleeping better and the nonstop crying…stopped. Neither the gastroenterologist nor the pediatrician could find anything wrong, and thus the frequent visits to the doctor stopped.

Here we are today and Charlotte is a little over 3 years old and we are faced with another potential health problem. Malachi noticed that her breath smells sweet, but not just like candy sweet, but like a medicine/sick sweet. I’ve noticed this for a long time and just thought that was how her breath smelled normally. After going through some other symptoms (frequent urination, always hungry, inability to gain weight) and seeking counsel and advice from my midwife and her gastroenterologist we’re having Charlotte tested for Type 1 Diabetes. She will see her pediatrician tomorrow morning and we’ll go from there. She will also see her gastroenterologist on Friday. I’m sure both doctors will consult with her cardiologist to get his input as well.

What do we need right now? Prayer. Prayer for Charlotte, that she will be brave throughout the course of testing; blood work, etc. Prayer for me and Malachi, that we will be brave for her as well, and be of sound mind during this, not led by our emotions. That we will use this opportunity as means to teach our children about God’s Sovereignty and show our faith strong in the midst of what could be a life altering diagnosis for us and for Charlotte.

I will keep everyone updated as often as I can and I thank you all in advance for lifting us up in prayer.

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Serving God and Family Baby Boutique 1000 Fan Free Giveaway Winners

2011-09-30T15:58:00.000-05:00

Winners from the 1000 Fan Free Giveaway are as follows:

50% Off Coupon to SG&F Baby Boutique – Amy Davis

Free Custom Made Mini Album with 20 Photos – Pam Elton Radford

FREE Prince OR Princess Crown – Tracy Marino

FREE Pair of Mary Jane Baby Booties – Kimberly Deegan

Customizable Bow Board! - Susannah Dowell

Customizable Headband Holder! – Cindy Coday

FREE $20 Credit on any purchase made over at Paula's Uppercase Living!!! – Bonita Adkins

FREE Halloween Onesie with this design – Rachel Kolodziej

$10 Gift Certificate to Creations by Candice! – Lauren Culp

Free water bottle holder! – Laura Jean

$15 Gift Certificate to Personalized From Me To You – Dawn Parsons

Boy OR Girl Aviator Hat – Belinda Hare

Please check out the fanpage album to get the information on each item and vendor. From this point on all correspondence in regards to this giveaway is to be between the winner and the vendor.

Thanks to all who participate and all the lovely vendors who sponsored an item! :)

Crystal <><

Meet "Oscar the Bear"

2011-09-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

My New Pendant

2011-08-30T16:24:00.000-05:00

I have been looking for a new pendant for my necklace for the longest time, and I finally found the PERFECT one! Misty over at Misty's Mystical Jewelry custom made this for me! Each "pea" represents my three little "peas". Green for Sofia's birth month (Emerald - May), red for Charlotte's birth month (Ruby - July), and purple for Eleanor's birth month (Amethyst - February); each on in the proper order of birth too! I LOVE THIS pendant!

If by chance you too are looking for something like this, or need a unique gift idea please check out Misty's Mystical Jewelry! In fact, she is having a really awesome sale tonight until 10pm EST:

"Custom made Peapod Pendants only $7 shipped or 2 for $12 shipped!! Add any length chain for only $5 more or a green or white ribbon necklace for only $2 more, or make it a key chain for only $1 more!!!"

I promise, you will not be disappointed in the quality and beauty of this product!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Eleanor (6 Months Old)

2011-08-27T07:17:00.000-05:00

Modeling a new photo prop I made :)

She LOVES having her picture taken....can you tell?

My Sweet Darlin'

Sofia wanted to rock Ellie, and this is the picture I was able to get when Sofia wasn't paying attention :)

I am privileged to kiss this face every single day!

My Sweet Eleanor

       I cannot believe that this sweet baby is now 6 months old! It seems like just a moment ago my water broke and I was experiencing the most wonderful homebirth of all time! Yet, here she is half a year old and time doesn't seem to be slowing down for even a second. I often wish that these moments could be captured in a way that I can go back and "replay" them; because lets face it, our babies grow up way too fast! It seems I am holding them in my arms one second and in the next breathe watching them become little ladies with big personalities.

       Eleanor is the most delightful baby. She has been the calmest of all my three children and the healthiest. She is growing by leaps and bounds and I just wish I could slow it all down. She is crawling (or more specifically "low crawling) everywhere, still working on sitting up on her own, babbles ALL the time, and just about anything makes her laugh. She loves her big sisters, and is entertained for long periods of time just watching them play. She weighs a little over 16lbs now and is adorably chunky. It is the only time in her life when her little "thunder thighs" will be considered adorable...ha ha ha!

   I am greatly enjoying the sweetness of being the mother to three daughters. I cherish each moment, even the not-so-sweet ones, and I praise the Lord for blessing me so!

Serving God and My Family,
Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Caterpillar Cocoon and Hat Set (Photography Prop)

2011-08-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

Newest item I made for a local photographer :) I'm selling this item for $50 plus $5 shipping for U.S. and $10 for international :)

Princess Eleanor

2011-08-17T17:05:00.000-05:00

Eleanor Michelle (Almost 6 months old)

2011-08-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

Eleanor will be 6 months old at the end of this month! My how times flies! She is my sweet darlin' :)

Newest Item

2011-08-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

A photographer ordered this and it turned out so stinking cute! This was crocheted in cream and brown for a more gender neutral photo prop. I'm going to be making a pink and brown one soon too for a little girl.

FREE FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

1000 Fan Giveaway!

2011-08-04T11:22:00.000-05:00

1000 Fan Giveaway!

Serving God and Family Baby Boutique

2011-08-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

I have had an Etsy shop opened since 2009 with little items I crochet or sew, and it has been such a blessing these past couple of years to earn a little bit of extra income. From the moment that Malachi and I married we both knew I would never "go to work" as our belief is that when the Bible says be a "keeper at home" it means be a "keeper at home" (Titus 2:5). However, the idea of being a "keeper at home" doesn't forbid me from being industrious or creating a home-based business that blesses my family (Proverbs 31). For the first couple of years of our marriage I was just trying to find my niche, and I am thankful to those who have come along side me and encouraged me to sell the items that I crochet or sew (I think I give away more than sell!).

I learned about Etsy back in 2009 and decided to give it a try and I am so thankful I did! I have connected with other home-based businesses and been able to network in a way that otherwise wouldn't be possible. Over time after creating an account on facebook I decided to start a page for my Etsy shop, and now with all of the new features that facebook offers you can now link to my Etsy shop to order an item! It is the neatest thing! So many people have recommended my business to others, and through so many people's efforts my fan base is increasing.

People have asked where do I find the time to run a home-based business, manage a home, care for my family, finish my degree AND sleep, and my answer is...VERY carefully! This is such a blessing to our family because not only does it bring in a little extra from time to time, it is creating a business that my children can become apart of as they get older. Sofia is showing such an interest in learning to crochet and sew clothes. It is so sweet to think that I will be teaching her a life skill that will actually benefit her and her family in the future; whether it is being used as I am using or simply a means to make clothing for her own family. Either way it is an invaluable skill to know how to make clothing and other household items.

So, if you are interested in keeping up with what is going on with my business, head over to facebook and check out the Serving God and Family Baby Boutique page! I will be hosting frequent giveaways for coupons and free items. Any support that you give to my home-based business will be much appreciated and used for the glory of the Lord. In all that I do; whether it is changing diapers, rocking a baby in the middle of the night, preparing healthy wholesome foods for my family and others, opening my home to visitors, sewing clothes for my family and friends, writing research articles, or blogging, it is all done for the glory of the Lord!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <>< (SAHM)

Pomegranate Jelly

2011-08-01T14:14:00.000-05:00