If Life Ain't Perfect.....
You Ain't Livin' Right...
Who believes that? I wanted to touch on the Life is Perfect dream. So many of us want our life to be perfect and really believe that we have not "arrived" until our life is what we desire. We often have grandiose delusions that my life "will be perfect when:
I get that great job
I have that perfect intimate relationsip
I get this machine, that supply
a certain social status
and so on....
Many live under the false belief that IF WE HAVE ARRIVED....and OUR LIFE IS PERFECT
we will have plenty of money, all the things we desire, the perfect mate, and that we will TRULY be HAPPY.
Many take it as a judgment of character. If you have "arrived" you are living right, God is blessing you, you are a magnificent person who has went thru all odds...you DESERVE the well deserved life.
I hate to be the "depressed r us" speaking to you today...but guess what?
A Charmed life has NOTHING to do with having excellent character. Did Jesus have a charmed life? Was he rich beyond measure?
Did he have magnificent relationships where everyone loved him, admired him, and sought him out because of his successes?
Did he enjoy the popularity and rank of high counselor? Did he cause envy because of his place in society?
Was he just the "cutest" or coolest guy out there? Did you see what Jesus was wearing today? Oh my goodness did you see that Jesus has the NEW and coveted craft machine that everyone wants?
Oh Yes you know it--Jesus is one of the "IT guys"--he has finally arrived...yes he is definitly the one who all respect and wish to be.
I dont think so.....
Jesus had friends and family underestimate him, turn their back on him, loathe him, detest him, bear false witness...
He was NOT wealthy--in fact he was born into an undesirable family with no wealth...
His career? A very usual one--that of a carpenter--it held no esteem or social desirability.
What kind of home did Jesus have? He didn't have a home as an adult, and traveled around with a lot of fisherman and other undesirables.
He was mocked and made fun of by the "high affluents"....he was definitly not at the top of the success ladder....
Jesus had his own friends turn their back on him, tell lies against him, turn him in for a few coins, betray him, DENY him--Oh I'm not friends with that Jesus....they didn't even come to his aid...Jesus was THREATENED, BEAT up, and eventually killed.
Who can say that Jesus had not arrived? Did Jesus not lead a "good life"? Was he less of a person?
In fact, Jesus is our MODEL....yet I don't see many people looking up to those who suffer the same fates as Jesus. Was Jesus unhappy? Was Jesus less worthy?
Jesus was not modeled after man--man was modeled after him. Remember that--if you are popular, well loved, successful...guess what? That is only among man.
So remember today....that new clothes, new craft supplies, the admiration of others, a get away trip....none of those things will make you happy...it won't lead you a life that has finally "arrived".
For the things in this world, are mearly DUST. They will not matter at the end of time....
Who cares if you don't have the latest and greatest? Think the girls who have every craft supply, every bit of jewelry, gorgeous clothes, beautiful hair, nails and teeth, the ones who everyone admires..... are they truly happy? If so, is it really because of things made from DUST?
No.... no thing, person, or place can make you really happy. Guess what? You wont' always be happy--if you were it would be a delusion--just a distraction that you kept jumping from thing to thing, place to place, person to person to keep your mind from thinking of your true state.
Life is not easy...Life is not always fun, fruitful, easy, filled with treasures and things that make our "hearts leap"....life is often filled with hard times, devestation, sickness, trials....but we can find JOY in those times. JOY is within our relationship with Jesus Christ....it is not in things of this world.
So yeah--you might never arrive--and even if you do...you won't find TRUE happiness....only things that can distract you--and keep your mind busy.
True happiness comes from a spirit that is willing to learn, willing to serve, willing to chase after God and the learning experiences He has for us.
Just a thought today--If Life Aint' Perfect...then guess what? YOU are normal, and you are still in this game called Life....YOU can find joy--but there will be hard times--and it's OKAY to cry, be sad, be depressed, and realize life is hard...because it is...
There is NO arrival--there is only the journey--and how you choose to live your journey in this world.
By the way....how do I know? Because I used to wait for my ship to come in....I thought my life would be perfect one day...I thought if I could just have this, or just do that, I would be happy...then I realized being happy is something that can NEVER be achieved and conquered...it's a continual PURSUIT that doesn't come from things, places, or other people....but only within...and that my friends, is my continual struggle--praying, finding my way, looking to God for His lessons....because my final destination is not Cricut Top 40, Life as the next Martha Stewart, or any of the other destinations...it's learning and living, touching others, and the LIFE beyond the grave--the one I have no understanding of...but can only hope to one day reach with my relationship with my Maker.. Jesus Christ.....
By the way--I haven't arrived....
I'm still a definite work in progress (a big old work of progress)
By the way I know delivering these type of messages will NOT make me popular, and might even turn some of you off--it's just part of God using me. I can't apologize for it.
Love to you all this Sunday....
WINNER of our Simply Penned Challenge is #12 Lisa Indy Mermaid...Here is her beautiful card! Lisa please contact me for your guest design blinkie & awesome Amy Chomas pen kit set for your prize!
Our Special Guest Designer Ro Donner
Featuring the Positive Thoughts stamp set
benefiting Storefront Shelter (Homeless shelter for children and youth)
This week the Design Team is featuring the
Splashtastic Summer stamp set which
benefits Autism Research Institute!!!
Have a Ball
Have a Ball
Fishing You Were Here
Visit Julie's Blog here
Visit Kathy T.'s Blog here
Visit Rebecca M.'s Blog here
See Amy's Blog here
LOVE this stamp set: Splashtastic Summer?
Want to own it?
Find it here at my online store: www.kandrewdesigns.com
Your stamp purchase will benefit Autism Research and improvement for all those affected with Autism. My sweet older son has this, and trust me everyday it's a learning experience. I never know what might set him off or on! lol! I love him and want to support those dealing with this unusual syndrome. It is definitly hard but rewarding. I love my Aspie!
Okay now we are ready to see YOUR amazing project!!
Challenge Details:
1. Post your Summer-time Fun project by Saturday July 9th midnight via the inlink tool.
NOTE:
You will need to type your blog post up first and include a link to my blog in your post or photo serving description for inlinkz to recognize it. Lnk to http://www.gettingcricky.com/
*Make sure to copy your exact blog post link
(If you do not link back to me or put in your exact blog post link--you will NOT be able to link up)
2. Pop up my Blinkie on your blog please (this is important for me to identify your entry)
and I'd love it if you subscribe/follow my blog. I'll admit that seeing my blinkie on your blog is a big deal for me. I figure if you have up a MILLION blinkies on your blog, I'm hoping mine is up there too! lol!
and I'd love it if you subscribe/follow my blog. I'll admit that seeing my blinkie on your blog is a big deal for me. I figure if you have up a MILLION blinkies on your blog, I'm hoping mine is up there too! lol!
3. Winner receives a $15.00 gift certficate to Flying Unicorn
4. Come back on the 10th of July to see who wins!
5. Have fun and spread the word!
NOTE: Please consider turning off WORD verification.
You can still moderate your comments, but leaving on word verification takes alot of extra time for people leaving you comments, and may cause some people to not leave comments. I have mine set to no word verifcation, but moderate.
You can still moderate your comments, but leaving on word verification takes alot of extra time for people leaving you comments, and may cause some people to not leave comments. I have mine set to no word verifcation, but moderate.
PRIZES for the Winner of the Simply Sunday Challenge:
!!!!
&
GUEST DESIGN SPOT HERE AT GETTING CRICKY!
Thanks SO much for joining us and I can't wait to see your amazing
Summer-Time Fun
Project
I love this post Kristal! If it turns others away so be it, but it is so uplifting to me. Even if i didn't have a relationship with Jesus, this would make me stop and think which is good! God Bless you dear and go right ahead and keep making people uncomfortable :)
ReplyDeleteAMEN, girl.
ReplyDeletenana5604 at gmail dot com
Congrats Lisa on your win awesome project.
ReplyDeleteSister Kristal you are preach-in' again PTL.
Words can't express my thanks in sharing this with us today, God used You to remind me He is still here with me. Thank you so much, May God continue blessing you and your family. Charlotte
ReplyDeleteOnce, again, beautiful words. You are doing great work spreading The Word and if people turn away, it may be that they are just not ready to hear it yet. Hopefully they will one day need to recognize these words are spot on and will be back to read again!
ReplyDelete:O)
Jessica
Kristal,
ReplyDeleteGreat post... I am humbled by the words that you say and am thankful everyday for my life which is no way perfect. I do think getting your ducks in a row is a difficut thing for alot of people. Have a great 4th. I dont know anyone who has a perfect life.
Blog: http://lovethatexpressions.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for letting God use you to share this message. The comment on the latest craft item was definitely convicting. I do not need that new cricut cartridge, or new stamp set, etc. I struggle with that.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this reminder!!! I know that I certainly needed to hear it. Ouch and Amen! Thanks for speaking your heart!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right again Kristal! I hope you have a FABULOUS week :)
ReplyDelete~Hugs~
Becky
Very lovely post.
ReplyDeleteKristal, GREAT message! I think it is good to make some uncomfortable. I think you are planting good seed. Who knows who will come along and water that seed. Keep up the awesome ministry. You definitely have a gift.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post, Kristal! Even someone who is not "religious" should appreciate what you are saying. Here is a quote I found that reminded me of you:
ReplyDeleteYou are goodness and mercy and compassion and understanding. You are peace and joy and light. You are forgiveness and patience, strength and courage, a helper in time of need, a comforter in time of sorrow, a healer in time of injury, a teacher in times of confusion. You are the
deepest wisdom and the highest truth; the greatest peace and the grandest love. You are these things. And in moments of your life you have known yourself as these things. Choose now to know yourself as these things always.
--Neale Donald Walsch
Thanks, Kristal. You always brighten my day.
Kelly
http://kellyscraftylife.blogspot.com
BTW, all of the projects were awesome again this week. I got to play with my stamp set. Check it out on my blog. :)
Kristal
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! Very uplifting, hope you and your family are having a geat holiday!
Becka
Hi Kristal!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for an uplifting post today...I need to hear it...I try to be thankful for all the little thing but is seem that "life" really slaps me in the face over and over again. I have to remember that "NOTHING" passes through the sovereign hands of Jesus without Him knowing...I have to trust in His plan for me.
Blessings,
Valerie Martin
Thank you for posting this. I believe things happen for a reason. I needed to come across your blog tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe cards are amazing. I love the Life is Bright step card.
Girlfriend....THANK YOU so much for this post. I NEEDED TO HEAR IT. I turn 50 on Thursday 7/7) and I thought my life would turn out a bit differently (never thought we'd still have the financial struggles at this age and point in my life) but I thank GOD each and every single day for all the blessings he had given me. A wonderful husband of 27 years, three great children and HE sees to every NEED I could ever imagine. Thanks for reminding me what's really important.
ReplyDeleteLOVE and BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
EllenM
EllenM361@gmail.com
lifeatwalnuthill.blogspot.com
Great post, we can all stand to reflect on what we strive for in life and who we pattern our lives after.
ReplyDeleteOMG, Kristal everyone did such a great job again this week. I just love those DT Sisters, they are the best. Happy 4th to all.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kathy
CGDTM
I love your uplifting messages and your love for our Lord and Savior. Thank you for sharing and pouring out your love!
ReplyDeleteJenny Kozar
very true and very heavy but i loved it it really got me to think.my thought is life is only hard if you let it be.thanks for sharing your thoughts and crafts.mariposacrystal@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteEvery message you deliver is so powerful and meaningful, Kristal. I am ashamed to admit that I have frequently fallen into the "if only" category. If only I could do this my life would be better or of only I could get that...It does take a while to realize that there is always going to be an "if only" and if you don't stop and enjoy your life as it is, it will be over before you realize it. Thank you for this message...you make us think, you make us feel and you touch so many lives.
ReplyDeleteYour DT projects for this week are so absolutely fabulous! And THANK YOU so much for choosing my project for Challenge #12! I am so honored to be your guest designer!!
I hope you and your family have a safe, happy, fun and fireworks filled 4th of July :)
Lisa
http://indymermaid.blogspot.com
Great message. Good for you for sharing your heart and not being afraid if you offend anyone. We are all a work in progress and it always has its ups and downs. Thanks for a great post and more great projects.
ReplyDeleteYour words are right on. The Word says He made Himself poor that we may become rich. So many people think that means so we can have a lot of money, but that's not what it means. He came here from heaven(a pretty awesome place)went through all He did so we could be forgiven and go to Heaven. I think walking around on gold streets and going through gates made from a pearl would mean we were doing OK. Our lives here are but a whisper, I suffer in my body everyday, but it will all go away soon. And I will walk streets of gold. I'll see you there. Hugs, Pam athttp://craftycards4u2.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a great message! :) Love the projects and I joined in. Now I have to desperately wait for you new stamps I just bought. Love you girl!
ReplyDeleteLovely words, Kristal... Just read it all again (you know I like to read everything at least twice!!), and loved it just as much as the first time. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing... :)
Amy :) at www.lovetocrop.com
Beautiful post Kristal. I can completely relate to what you are saying. I have been working hard for many years to get out of the "woe is me" frame of mind. It still sneaks back in from time to time but I am able to push those thoughts away and thank the Lord for the blessings he has given me. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and nourishment in my body and these are blessings that many do not have so I need to strive to help others.
ReplyDeletePrecious Hugs
Thanks for the challenge Kristal. The DT inspiration projects are wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
Cheryl @ CardsbyCG.blogspot.com
I agree whole heartedly with your 'message'!!
ReplyDeleteRebecca "Crafting Misfit" sent me here and I'm so glad she did!! I'm a new follower and participant! :D
http://debbiesdashofthisandthat.blogspot.com
Thanks for the great challenhe.
ReplyDeleteRebecca "Crafting Misfit" tell me thenew blog .:)
~darling Ho
Hello!
ReplyDeleteFirst time here... (Rebecca "Crafting Misfit") sent me :)
I hope I did everything fine with the rules because I wasn´t sure where to put the blinkie... (it's in my sidebar) and I linked my post to the blog.
Hello, pleased to meet you! I'm a first time visitor and I really love what I see, so I became a follower straight away ;-) Rebecca from Crafting Misfit sent me over here and I'm not disappointed! Your post is heartfelt and oh so true... Thanks for the challenge, love the fab cards the DT girls have made! Greetz from the Netherlands, have a lovely weekend, Ira
ReplyDeleteHi there
ReplyDeleteRebecca (Crafting Misfit) sent me! Awesome message thank you! Gorgeous work by the DT - Thank you for so much inspiration. xx
First time here (Rebecca "Crafting Misfit) sent me!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post...Craftin Misfit also sent me to enter your challenge.
ReplyDeleteKristal what a thought provoking post this was ! I have linked up a card .Rebecca of crafting misfits was so kind to ask me to link to your link up when she saw my card on my blog. Blog land is an amazing place!
ReplyDeleteI am already an old follower and have your blinky on my side bar. I dont have many but yours is definitely there!
Cheers from Bangalore ,India
Dr Sonia S V
http://cardsandschoolprojects.blogspot.com
Hi, Rebecca (Crafting Misfit)sent me to! Thank you for a great challenge. You may consider having Feline Playful add your challenge to their Sunday list for more exposure. Don't worry i'll be back to play.
ReplyDeleteHello, this is the first time I have posted a card to this challenge blog. Rebecca (Crafting Misfit) sent me. I love the work by the DT it is great inspiration. Thanks for the chance to win. Hugs, Sue
ReplyDeleteHi, I just found you through Rebecca; I see she's been busy, LOL! Wow, I love your message; so glad I found you. I'll be a regular visitor. Thanks to the DT for all the lovely inspiration. Hugs, Sarah
ReplyDeleteYour card is so cute and your DT did a great job show casing your stamp set. I ordered it on Friday, can't wait til it gets here. I entered my project and i plan on adding your stamps to it once they get here. (Sry about the bad lighting in my pictures)
ReplyDeleteKristan
sierrababy08 at hotmail dot com
hi
ReplyDeletei just found you out through Rebecca :). it was so sweet of her to guide me with links and all :). your words were deep and guiding.
take care
hugs
Alyna
www.mysticalkrafts.blogspot.com
Kristal, Rebecca from Crafting misfits recommended your challenge for my entry, I hope you enjoy it! Have a great Summer, and the DT work is very fun!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Tammy Louise P.S. #52 :)
Thanks for your message K. I love reading them. It uplifts me. God Bless you abundantly.
ReplyDelete