Category: Uncategorized

FAREWELLS ARE REALLY EXPRESSIONS OF A JOB WELL DONE

When I reflect upon how life has changed since bringing home my very first newborn, I can’t help but wonder how life will be changed again, in taking my last-born away to college.  

As moving day approaches,  I account for the right size sheets,  enough “white” t-shirts and even a few of his favorite midnight snacks, but most of all, I account for the profound…. His need to find his way is taking a front seat,  I know who he is but not who he will become.  
I am faced with rewriting motherhood as I have known it these past 20 + years.   Oh sure, I will always be his mother, but in the words of Madeline Levine, “Motherhood inextricably weaves growth and loss together from the moment of physical separation at birth to every milestone passed.   Some part of me must have known that each move toward independence–from zipping a jacket to hanging out at the mall to driving a car–meant not only that my son was more capable, but also that I was less necessary.” 
A sense of loss may lurk in the periphery now and again, and yes, the tears may fall when the realization of permanent changes begin to set in, but for now, that farewell moment at the dorm feels more like an expression of a job well done.    

                         

THE PAST, THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE (A Graduation Tribute to My Son)

Pre-K Graduation 2001


In so many ways, SENIOR YEAR for a Mama’s heart is a year of letting go.   Who knew it would be such a complicated mixture of pushing you forward and holding you back?

HERE  AND  NOW….We find ourselves standing at a bittersweet place. In a few short days (Wednesday, June 4th, 2014)  you will be part of a big, beautiful, meaningful ceremony that so poignantly signifies one chapter ending and a new one beginning. 

2014 Senior Year – Black Knights Baseball
LOOKING  BACK….  Underneath all of that fierce love for competition,  there is a tenderhearted and compassionate young man, whose once curly blond hair and blue eyes have given way to great strength and poise. 

Athletics, Fishing & Baseball, 
Bold Faith, A Desire For Truth, 
 Deep Roots and Wings That Soar,
I’ll miss not having anyone to alert me to “must see” You Tube videos and sports clips.
I’ll miss your subtle ways and “one-liners” that speak so loudly of God’s goodness and proper perspective.  You have such a gift that way.
2000  Matt making his own backstop (with chicken wire) 









I’ll especially miss not having my “new word” connoisseur around to keep the Steimling household vocabulary fresh, quirky and innovative.

Travel baseball 2008

There have been moments of wonder and surprise.  There have been moments of being side lined, and unexpected bends in the road.  Each chapter being scripted by God in all of his knowing—the painful ones draw us near to him, the joyful ones illuminate his glory—both are important.

LOOKING FORWARD ……….. The spaces in our house will surely feel empty, but so many spaces in this vast world await you and your purposes.  I pray every day, the gift of clear-sightedness upon you, to recognize the path that supports (and doesn’t compromise) your faith and values.  The sacred trust we have invested well into your life has surely been a two way street.  There is a saying that goes, “As much as a mother raises her son, so does a son raise his mother.” The return on the investment is truly immeasurable.  Thank You, for the genuine joy you bring to life……… and making  us so incredibly proud. 

I LOVE YOU, MY BOY!  NOW THE WORLD AWAITS,

ALL THAT YOU ARE AND WHO YOU ARE BECOMING.
(graduation day pics coming soon) 


Always and Forever

MOM

THE POWER OF MOM

As taken from Rick’s sermon today…..THE POWER OF MOM
Moses’ mother Jochebed had the power of TRUST.
Samuel’s mother Hannah had the power of PRAYER.
Timothy’s mother Eunice had the power of INFLUENCE.
Jesus’ mother Mary had the power of SURRENDER.

What a gift, to witness so many beautiful and heartfelt expressions of gratitude and love to mothers from all walks of life today.


3 generations–my daughter, my mom and me

Thankful for my mom who has always embodied TRUST, PRAYER, INFLUENCE and SURRENDER, on her journey.   It’s because of her example that I can, with confidence walk with these same attributes on my own journey of motherhood.  
   
                                            My sister Angie, my mom and me. 
Thankful for ALL the amazing women and friends and moms that enrich my life.  (I wish I had enough room to put all of their pictures on here)
        Sarah, Me and Matt 
THE POWER OF MOM……………………………TRUST, PRAYER, INFLUENCE and SURRENDER  a legacy to me—-a legacy to them!  

Happy Mother’s Day
Crystal

INTENTIONAL PARENTING

When I picked up the book Intentional Parenting, it was for a two fold purpose.   To learn, and to be affirmed.   As I read and absorbed and pondered, I did learn, and I was affirmed.   Parenting isn’t just about the children, but about the parents too.  Three writers coming together, bringing with them their honesty, their invaluable experience as counselors, social workers and executive directors, and leaving the reader with 12 powerful attributes that go hand in hand with what it means to be intentional as parents and yes, as individuals.   Have you ever stopped to consider what parenting would do to you, in you and through you?
Homes and families don’t just happen!  We must be INTENTIONAL!   To continue learning through all the stages of parenting, and even finding affirmation in the stages you’ve already walked through,  pick up your copy today…..and then pass it on to a friend (parent).  

NEXT DOOR SAVIOR

The writings of Max Lucado, in his book, NEXT DOOR SAVIOR: Near Enough to Touch, Strong Enough to Trust,  are a combination of anecdotes and  true stories, both personal and scriptural, that bring to us “real life” and “relevant”  reminders of God’s amazing nearness.   Chapter by chapter you will receive exhortation and blessing.  There is NO person He won’t touch.  There is NO place He won’t go.

If you long to grasp, even a little, and on a personal level, what it means when Paul writes,  “He who is at the right hand of God, also intercedes for us” (Romans 8:34), this book is for you.

The conclusion leaves a powerful summary (and one of my favorite lines), “Yes, he is in heaven.  Yes, he rules the universe.   But, yes, he has walked your streets.   He’s still the next door Savior”.   Go ahead, read it, touch him, trust him.

Crystal 

To comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Booksneeze in exchange for an unbiased review. 

The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant

Set in Rome during the Renaissance, The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant is a compelling story of two friends.  Bonded together through their very different lives, their very different callings, and each leaving a very powerful legacy.   Not only is the reader left with a great and inspiring story, but also strong spiritual foundations and twelve keys to successful living.  
Whatever your mission in life, be it the ministry or the marketplace, this book will no doubt open your eyes and change the way you see opportunities of service and leadership all around you.    Also included in this book is a twelve week study guide suitable for individuals and small groups.  

Crystal

The Christmas Story—A Message Of Hope.

 Christmastime Greetings dear Friends and Family

2012
*****
The anticipation of Christmas celebrations and traditions become a little sweeter with each passing year.   Perhaps it is growing older and wiser that allows me to see with a greater precision, and hold in my heart a little more deeply, the MESSAGE OF HOPE given to us at Christmastime——-(Luke 2).
If you have  been a long time recipient of my newsletter, you know the great care and thought that goes into selecting “just the right theme”,   a theme that both summarizes a bit of our lives, and brings to you a special Christmas blessing all in one.   2012 has been a remarkable journey of thankfulness, 1000 gifts in all.   Well, almost.  Recent reflections upon my list (projected to be complete by December 31st) allowed me to see at a glance, the incredible richness that 12 short months can hold.   So it is, through bits and pieces of that treasured list, that I share another year in the life of our family with you. 

*****    


*Sitting by the fire with lifelong friends, sharing deep, thought provoking conversation about life’s joys and sorrows, until the wee hours of the morning greet us.
*A beautiful neighborhood, perfect for taking long walks.
*The amazing people we get to meet every single day, the lives we get to touch.
*Our church family and the camaraderie with good pastor friends and families.
*Moments that keep us real, keep us grounded, and keep us thankful.
*Outrageous laughter at the dinner table and sometimes a quiet evening of reflection.

*Growing personally and professionally.  

*The fruit of yesterday’s labor, returning to bless. 
*Studying chemistry with Matt, taking him for his drivers permit, and hearing his name called for the MVP of his high school baseball team.
*A midweek train ride to New England that yields quality time with Sarah and visiting relatives.  Proofreading the countless essays that go along with an English/Journalism major, and splurging on cinnamon lattes during a cold rainy day.
*Fears and uncertainties that drive us to our knees—together.
*Kitchen table opportunities, Boardroom opportunities, and expressions of love that come in all shapes and sizes. 

*The ability to embrace the mundane or to create new and fresh (they both have their place).

*Seeing the deeper things of God taking root in our lives.
*The gift of a husband’s love and the 1000 ways he shows it after 21 years together.
*The grit and honesty it takes, being a trailblazing family—never a dull moment.
*Those parts of the journey that seem bleak, they show us what we are really made of.
*Enough good books and enough good friends to last a lifetime.
*Gardening…..a family affair.
*Tiny glimpses of God’s infinite power.
*The privilege of accompanying Rick as he opens a PA Senate Session in prayer.
*A stroll through Central Park , reflections at Ground Zero and other NYC sights.                                                                                                                                           Manhattan at Christmastime—nothing in the whole world like it.
*Joy unspeakable.
And last, but very far from least, Rick’s very own weekly version of “Tuesday’s with Morrie”.  He calls it Tuesday’s with Morris—- you know, those relationships and little day to day moments that really count for the big stuff.

****    


Just as thankfulness has been written upon my heart these past 12 months, may the MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS and its MESSAGE OF HOPE be written upon your hearts—both now, and forevermore.

Rick, Crystal, Sarah and Matthew Steimling

Apocolyptic Tremors –A BOOK REVIEW

My hunger to better understand the book of Revelation, the end times and current events all wrapped up in one, led me to this book, Apocalyptic Tremors by C R Chapman.   
The writer certainly left me with an appreciation for her willingness to take a hard look at scripture and the desire to “get it right”.   But, her style and format proved difficult at best, and I found myself struggling to maintain interest.    For me it wasn’t about agreeing or disagreeing with everything she wrote, rather, it was about an increased understanding, which I personally was not able to take away.  I would consider Apocalyptic Tremors a good study or commentary resource, but if you are looking for a cover to cover read, probably not.   
Crystal 

To Love and Be Loved

As my “1000 gifts list” continues to grow, I am thankful for the gift of LOVE…..the kind of love that never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:7

The red roses and chocolate covered strawberries reserved for days like these, makes that 1000 gifts list too.  (smiling)  

                           *****
We were all there for one reason…To celebrate our love (ok, and maybe a good Italian meal too).  Valentines Day 2012 marked 22 years since our first one together.   We shared reflections and endearments before shifting our thoughts to so many of those around us.   Couples from every conceivable walk of life filled the tables.  From one end of the restaurant to the other,  I couldn’t help but wonder, “what was their story?”    Did love flow easily or require great effort?  Was it intentional and celebrated or did it require sacrifice?   I know our story includes all of the above.  I know God’s story includes all of the above.   What about your story?  
Whether Phileo love (brotherly love) or Eros love ( intimate or romantic), it is   Agape love (Christ’s love) at work within us  that makes our stories possible…. makes our stories beautiful.  In loving and being loved, may we have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep HIS love really is.    Ephesians 3:18  
                                                Crystal

Signs of LIFE

It is the chill of winter that lulls the earth to a much needed rest, so too it lulls me.  “Signs of Life” hardly seem fitting for the long days of January.  As snow blankets the earth and naked branches twist heavenward frozen in time, the silence is almost deafening.  
Schedules go on and duty calls, but the EUCHARISTEO kind of thankfulness never ceases.  The 24/7 making of my “1000 gifts” list surely breeds a unique quietness, an authentic “soul-kind-of-rest”. 
One, that just like winter….is necessary.  As I humbly yield, signs of life are everywhere, signs of life that run deep.

75.  A dirty kitchen floor.

76.  A few morsels and an empty bag from the chocolate dipped oatmeal cookies.

77.  Lanterns in the window.
78.  The inspired and Holy Word of God that lays open and invites.
79.  A half empty container of peppermint lotion that soothes.
80.  A college-occupied sister, making time for her high school brother.
81.  The random amaryllis bulb out of the trunk of an old car (yields),
82.  A reminder of spring, on a gray winter day (see pictures).

unfolding…thankful…drawing near…growing in grace…thanksgiving…to the core…steadying….focused… preparing….thankful…roots going deep for seasons yet to come. 

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.  For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living…How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?  I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.              
PSALM 116:7-13


It won’t be long now. The earth will thaw, and even more “signs of life” will awaken to herald the coming of spring.   Won’t you be waiting ready…..RESTED and THANKFUL!
                                            
                                                  Crystal