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Lasting Gifts (feat. Created by Crystal)


Enduring (source)
[in-dur-ing]

  • lasting, permanent
  • abiding, timeless, patient
  • imperishable, durable
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name." 
(Edward Mote, 'The Solid Rock')

When God knit us together, I believe he put a spark in all of us that He invites us to discover. A thing that, when you do it, feels like it's in your blood, like it's a part of you, something to cultivate and stoke into a flame. These are the lasting gifts, the things God deposits in us, designed for kingdom work that brings him glory.

But a flame needs fuel to keep burning. Are any of you feeling burnout? Maybe this is you today: you've thrown what feels like everything onto the fire and haven't had time to stop and gather more kindling. And now, you feel like a little pile of ashes, embers burning red and gold, still alive, but just barely. 

Maybe what we need is not more time to gather, but a better, enduring fuel for our flames.

Don't get me wrong, do we need rest? YES. We are made in God's image, and God Himself made it a point to rest (Genesis 2:2-3, Matthew 8:24, Mark 6:30-32). We need to find a good rhythm of rest and work because our bodies and hearts and minds need it. But how are we choosing to refuel? Where are we resting our weary eyes and seeking to be refilled?

The Word of God is the only truly sustainable fuel for our fires. I can tell you from experience that when weeks go by and I haven't intentionally spent time in prayer and scripture, away from the screens and the noise, I eventually have very little left to give. I might be producing "enough" to get through each day, but I am not on fire. I am exhausted. And the things I'm so passionate about lose their luster, bogged down by just trying to survive the mess.

It's a lesson I need to learn over and over: when I am regularly, intentionally fixing my eyes on Jesus - on who He is, on what He has done, on who He says I am - everything changes. Not my circumstances, usually...there will still be a lot to manage and seasons of struggle. But I enter the mess with a brighter flame, fueled by the power of the Spirit, something that will-power and good intentions could never muster up on their own. 

The Word of God is our truly lasting gift. It endures. It never changes, always matters, and always gives life and breath to our souls. If you feel like you have nothing right now...know that you can wholly lean on the name of Jesus. He will reignite your flame again.

For God's glory,

Kayla


Artist Highlight: Created by Crystal

Crystal Norman is a Miami native, a mom of three, and the crafty fire behind Created by Crystal, a collection of unique woodworking gifts and home decor. Her business, which just celebrated its 5th anniversary, started completely by accident: a close friend of hers was having a baby shower, and Crystal is always looking for unique gift ideas for new moms, so she made her first-ever "You Rule Growth Chart" ruler, which she gifted at the party. It was an instant hit, and Crystal left the party that day with 5 more orders.

Since then, her repertoire has expanded to many other DIY-inspired woodwork gifts, including home decor, back-to-school gifts for parents and teachers, as well as her beautiful "established" signs that have become popular for bridal showers and weddings (pictured below). What started as small, unique gift ideas for friends and family has turned into an exciting passion that continues to bring long-lasting beautiful things into local homes, classrooms, and lives. She loves creating pieces that are unique and yours, that can be passed down through generations.

With back-to-school looking a little bit different in 2020, sales on her first-day-of-school boards and teacher pencils have dropped a little, but thankfully the pandemic hasn't eliminated business completely! With more people wanting to support local businesses and think creatively about how they shop, she still receives requests for her popular items as well as for custom projects. 

She accepts orders through her website as well as via DM's on her Instagram and Facebook pages. Many of her items are customizable, and she can do consultations for other custom projects not listed on her pages. For local orders, she can arrange for contact-free drop-offs or socially-distant meet-ups and accepts many forms of contactless payment such as Zelle or Venmo.

Ways to follow Created by Crystal:












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