I was a camp counselor for 3 summers in college. I remember the chants and the cabin pranks. The smell of sunscreen and the required lice checks we had to do with little girls as we lugged chests full of clothes and lathered sunscreen on tiny freckled faces. We gave piggy back rides, blew theContinue reading “He paints the Sky”
Author Archives: Crystal N Wilkins
Approach with Confidence…
Hebrews 4: 11-13 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4: 14-16 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Strive to enter rest… Approach the throne of grace with confidence… Such interesting words. Striving and resting feel juxtaposed to me. When I am striving, I am working. I know this verb quite well. I am a striver, and achiever,Continue reading “Approach with Confidence…”
Good Friday Reflections
I attended the Good Friday service at my church tonight. And I was invited into the somberness of remembering what Christ did on the cross, which will give way to celebration on Sunday as we remember His resurrection–when He overcame the grave and undid death. I love Good Friday. This day, 28 years ago, IContinue reading “Good Friday Reflections”
Are you frustrated being you, sometimes?
He asked earnestly. He asked it for me–not in an accusatory way, as if he was frustrated with me (though my brain might be tempted to believe that at times…). As I sat next to this friend drinking coffee, he reflected back a pain he heard in my voice and my stories and likely readContinue reading “Are you frustrated being you, sometimes?”
Chaser of Butterflies
I saw them huddled around a bush. They crept sneakily with incredible focus on the task at hand. Occasionally, they’d break focus and do a little dance, and then go back to stalking the little creatures hidden in the bush. “I GOT ONE!” The girls giggled as one showed the other the butterfly captured inContinue reading “Chaser of Butterflies”
The Lifter of my Head
My vision was blurry as I blinked the gritty sand away. As I did, I heard the little voice say, “Are you mad, are you mad, are you mad?” As I opened my eyes I saw her–the curly haired 4 year old shaking and cowering as she repeated the question. “Oh, sweetie–I’m not mad.” SheContinue reading “The Lifter of my Head”
That it may go well with you…
Deuteronomy 5: 32-33 “You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in the way the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well withContinue reading “That it may go well with you…”
Happy New Year
From Surrendered to Satisfied… The New Year commences. Such an interesting holiday. I find there are 2 paces to New Years… 1—A rushed frenzy 2—A sleepy reflective quietness In seasons past, I was often the former. I would try to glean every ounce of fun, every ounce of merriment, every ounce of celebration I couldContinue reading “Happy New Year”
Happy Christmas: Musical Reflections 12: For the Hope seekers…
Should auld acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot And days of auld lang syne (old long since) Happy New Year’s Eve…. This song is the song that pops into my head every New Year’s. It’s the theme of any romantic comedy set at New year’s. The hauntingly beautifulContinue reading “Happy Christmas: Musical Reflections 12: For the Hope seekers…”
Happy Christmas: Musical Reflections 11: For the Surrendered
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee I love flowers. I’m not super skilled at keeping them alive, but my heart is made happy by bright colors and scents that are inviting. It’s an interesting thing to watch flowers bloom—to see them move from a closed state to one of openness. Both are beautiful, but thereContinue reading “Happy Christmas: Musical Reflections 11: For the Surrendered”
Sincerely, Crystal 