Crystal N Wilkins

Its been a Year

It’s been a year. She said it in a literal way. And in a heavy-sigh expressive way. It HAD been a year. A year since the world turned upside down. Or rather inside out. Where going out became dangerous. When we hunkered down, narrowed our circles and changed all our systems. When our coping strategiesContinue reading “Its been a Year”

My Sweet Valentine…

Fix your eyes on this one truth, God is madly in love with you. –Hillsong Do you believe it? Does that line make you squirm in an uncomfortable way? What are the thoughts that go through your head creating arguments for why it isn’t true. This is one of those lyrics I love-hate. One thatContinue reading “My Sweet Valentine…”

Voice

I’ve been pondering the concept of voice lately. I love humor and am a collector of my favorite peoples laughs. I love to notice what makes someone giggle. The way their nose wrinkles or the way they throw their head back or the particular sound that escapes their mouth when delight overtakes them. It’s funContinue reading “Voice”

Word of the year…

Every year, I choose a word. A word I believe the Lord is trying to teach me. It becomes a mantra, so-to-speak. Usually, the word finds me versus the other way around, which I think is a fun, mysterious game of provision the Lord plays with His kids. Giving us what we don’t know weContinue reading “Word of the year…”

Gifts

It’s a season of gifts. Where the holidays are supposed to be about Jesus, so much of our attention is focused on the giving and receiving of gifts. But then, He is about giving gifts too. He gives us life and breath. He gives us salvation. He gives us the gift of Himself. He givesContinue reading “Gifts”

Home

Psalm 90: 1-2 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Acts 17:28 In him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your poets haveContinue reading “Home”

Teddy Bears in Heaven

She cornered me in the hallway, wide-eyed. May I talk to you? Of course, I said. We leaned up against the wall as she smiled to her children behind her. I’m going to talk to Miss Crystal—you all go play in the room. Meet ya there in a few. My mind spun as I rememberedContinue reading “Teddy Bears in Heaven”

Simple Extravagance

Simple extravagance is a phrase I used this week a couple times to describe the felt experience of being in the presence of friends who get you, care for you and lavish love freely. The word simple means easily understood or done, or the state of being uncomplicated. It’s not without sacrifice, but it isContinue reading “Simple Extravagance”

Daughter of the King

I walk through the palace a little shaky, I look at the other beauties and question the dress I am wearing, The color of eyes You gave me. That color looks so lovely on her. What would it be like to have what she has? You whisper, You’re beautiful. I made you on purpose. IContinue reading “Daughter of the King”

Crashing Cars

As a child life specialist and play therapist, I watch kids day-by-day, come into my playroom and repetitively work over the emotional points of suffering in their lives. They’ll crash cars together over and over again; they’ll play out horrific words spoken to them; awful things done to them. They’ll play out their deepest fears. Continue reading “Crashing Cars”