I'm sitting in Starbucks today for some work and writing before a meeting. This is where I wrote "Holy Hustle" and every time I sit in these incredibly uncomfortable wooden chairs, with their lack of leg room and phenomenally loud squealing noises as they move across the floor, I think of you. I think of you because I wish you were here with me, having a coffee and talking about what God has called you to work on this year. I want to hear how He is transforming your understanding of success, and how you've seen Him show up in ways that surprise and delight you as you commit to serving instead of striving. I wish I could hear what you're struggling with and what your dreams are - not ... View the Post
What Is Success?
Last week I shared with you that my goal for 2018 isn't to do a massive overhaul of my health, fitness, or our budget. Instead, I'm going to take each month as an opportunity to explore a topic or engage in community, and I'll also see if there is a habit or behavior I can take a break from. January is all about exploring what "success" really means in a holy hustle lifestyle, while I do my best to say "no" to sweet treats. So far, so good on that last one! I even held strong against chocolate cake with peanut butter icing at a staff meeting. As I've lived this message of "holy hustle" and tried to figure out this balance between work and rest that gives God the glory through our ... View the Post
Compassion, Understanding, and Peace
I walked nervously into the fitness center at the resort, unsure about what I was doing. It was 8am on our first full day of a trip to celebrate a milestone birthday for my mom and I decided to take advantage of the yoga class advertised on the resort website. I'd done plenty of yoga at home - enough to know the basic moves - but I wondered as I walked by myself from our room if I was really cut out for a live class. Warm hospitality met me at the front door of the fitness center. Welcoming smiles made sure I knew how to sign in. Kindness asked if I thought everyone would enjoy yoga on the deck - even though I had never attended the class and wasn't even sure where the deck was located. ... View the Post
My Not-To-Do List
"Hey Crystal! Give me just a minute and I'll have your drink ready for you." "Take your time - I'm not in a hurry." "Not in a hurry? When does that ever happen?" I wasn't surprised to hear the shock in the voice of the Starbuck's barista. I've spent enough time in this space to know that their morning rush is usually just that - rushed. Everyone is trying to get to work on time, bleary eyed and running late. Schedules are jam packed and everyone waits impatiently, crowded around the end of the counter where a seemingly endless stream of drinks pass through to eager hands. After spending far too many years priding myself on my high level of "busyness," recovering from a season of ... View the Post
Mother’s Day Encouragement
Happy Mother's Day! At church this morning our pastor reminded us that, while not all of us will be biological mamas, we can all be spiritual mothers who speak life into others through our words, encouragement, and love. I know so many women in my life, including my own mom, who have done that for me, who have helped me develop my passions, guided me through challenging seasons, prayed for me, and supported my family - and I'm so grateful for all of them. I thought I'd share some of my favorite blog posts (and even a podcast) you might enjoy today, regardless of the specific way God has called you to be a mom: "I was weary, but my load was lightened greatly when neighbors, friends and ... View the Post
The Fine Art of Holding Your Tongue
I was tempted. Very, very tempted. The book image popped up on my screen again as I scrolled through social media and I wanted so desperately to tell everyone what I thought about it. Share my side of the story and get people to understand how hurt I was about it all. Then there was the post someone shared about a new movie. Or the political post. Or the workout post that proclaimed a way of training that I didn't think was healthy. Social media gives us incredible access to people, their opinions, and their dreams. And while God has certainly created me to have a heart for justice, feeling all the big emotions in big ways, and the ability to share my heart through the written word, ... View the Post
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