DON’T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED

Crystal Weber 12-20-11

Greetings! I just wanted to throw out a quick reminder to you all today – don’t take anything for granted.  I know it is probably old news and nothing surprising but it is something often forgotten about. However, it is super important to remember.

There are literally thousands of things that occur just within the human body everyday that we don’t even think about – they just happen, such as heart beating, stomach digesting, lungs breathing, and so on.  Even processes like hearing and walking are things that we don’t really think about but are things not everyone is able to do.  Therefore I urge you to take a minute and give thanks for all you have been given and able to do without even trying to. 

I personally caught that nasty bug that is going around.  It was literally one of the worst colds I can remember with the body aches, extreme fatigue, constant coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, headaches, sore throat, and so on.  Finally I went to the doctor and got antibiotics which helped immensely.  It took a couple weeks before I started to feel a lot better which is where I am currently at. 

However, the worst was that a week and a half ago I lost my voice completely.  Those that know me know I really enjoy talking with others and one of the things I love the most is singing.  So naturally there has been no singing since losing my voice.  The ability to talk and sing is something I am guilty for taking for granted and I can tell you I will no longer be doing that.  Humans are social creatures and so not being able to talk and socialize with others was taking its toll on my emotionally for sure.  I finally got my voice back to near normal yesterday thank goodness and in a few days I should be able to start singing again.  And I am super excited for that!

So as I mentioned earlier, don’t take anything for granted.  But don’t cling onto it desperately afraid you are going to lose it either.  Just live in the moment, one day at a time, and truly enjoy your life!  Be daring, bold, and unafraid – your life will be what you make of it.   So make it amazing ;)

CATCH THAT HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Crystal Weber 12-13-11

We are full on in the holiday season and I love it!  It is Christmas central in our house.  Catch the spirit of the season! This is the time for us to remember the reason for the season and enjoy time with family and friends.

Don’t get caught up in the material aspect of the holidays – so not what it’s all about.  If I didn’t get a single present but had tons of time with the people I love, I promise you I would be one happy girl.  Life is about people and memories, not things.  Therefore, I urge you to set a budget and stick to it.  Don’t overspend and cause financial hardship and stress for the following year when all many people want to do is spend time together and hang out.  Things all have prices.  People are precious and priceless.

Some of you are going to disagree with me here, but I am not a fan of the snow. I wouldn't mind if it never snowed again.  I do not want to see any snow with the exception of a little dusting on the yards, trees, and rooftops for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and then no more snow the rest of the year.

Also, once it is the day after Thanksgiving, game on!  Bring on the holidays.  But I feel like stores getting out the Christmas decorations and Christmas commercials running and so on, have no place during Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Time already moves too quickly – let’s not skip holidays.

As for the Christmas goodies, I am all about eating healthy and exercising for sure, but I do think that the holiday season is a special time to indulge.  Not to excess or to where you make yourself feel uncomfortable of course, but just enough where you don’t feel deprived and am able to experience and enjoy the season.

Start holiday traditions and keep them going.  They are fun ways to create memories and bring people together.  Take plenty of pictures to help remember your get-togethers and just have a relaxing time and whatever happens, don’t stress if everything doesn’t go perfectly.  Just go with the flow and things may turn out even better than you could have imagined.

So to you all I ask that you each have a very merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, safe and happy holidays with your family and friends and cherish each and every day you are blessed with on this earth.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – 2) Isaiah 9:6 NIV

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16 NASB

WE MUST STOP KIDS BULLYING KIDS: HOLD ON, FOR THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Crystal Weber 11-17-11

I’d like to take a minute and discuss a topic near and dear to my heart – childhood and teenage bullying.  The teenage years are really formative years in our lives.  Really all kids want to do at that age is fit in and pass through the time with as little hassle as possible.  With all the changes going on emotionally, physically, and mentally, it is a very tumultuous time of change and growing pains.  We have all either witnessed or experienced the effects of kids getting bullied and recently more and more stories of bullied kids are being heard.  Facebook and Twitter can be wonderful, uplifting avenues of communication when used for good – but they can be a hotbed of torment and cruelty when used for hurting others.  We cannot laugh off bullying and say kids will be kids; it must stop now.

It breaks my heart to see our little ones in pain.  Why people would want to hurt one another is beyond my understanding.  And the problem is that there is not a clear-cut solution to this.  But if we don’t deny the problem and instead confront it and continue to work on curing our world of this issue it will be more than worth it.  Because after all, even helping one precious child gain relief and get their life back is a true blessing.

All I know is, if you witness such things occurring please be a strong and caring person and address the situation in an appropriate manner to get it corrected.  Don’t just stand by and watch it happening and allow it to continue.

If you are the person doing the bullying, stop and consider why.  Maybe you are a lost soul – missing something in your life, maybe you are lonely, or maybe you are just bored.  Whatever the case, talk to someone and get yourself turned around – you have too much potential to waste your life hurting others. You aren’t really gaining anything from it and there’s no point.

If you are a child being bullied and teased please talk to someone about it, whether that be a friend, parent, sibling, teacher, etc. so you can get the help you need – I promise you that you are not alone and you are a dear sweet creation of God that does not deserve to be hurt but instead deserves to be cherished and loved.  You have so much left to give in this life.

 “Sweet little child… keep holding on. Your face is so lovely, and your heart is so strong. Don’t let stinging words hold you back today.  Keep moving on, and keep living life your way.” 

So please, no matter how hard today is, look to tomorrow and hold on, because the best is yet to come. Every dark night gives way to morning’s sunlight eventually.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

"The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1

PASSING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF DARKNESS

Crystal Weber 10-23-11

We all will have times in our lives when we face the dark unknown.  It is important to realize that things will happen – things out of your control and things you will not like.  But you can never give up.  Cling to your supports – your families and friends –because you don’t have to go at it alone.  This is when it is vital to surround yourself with loving, caring, wise people not afraid to offer the truth in a gentle word and helping hand.  Throughout your life you will have some people in it that are the “good-time” buddies – and that’s OK, don’t get me wrong.  But make sure at least you have at least a few people in your life that are in it for life, those people that stick by your side in thick and thin and you never doubt will always have your back no matter the situation.  Thank your lucky stars for those people and never take them for granted. 

Humans are resilient things and it is amazing what one person can get through and keep on moving. I am always incredibly surprised by how different people react to things so completely differently. With some people it takes one small unfortunate thing to make them crawl into a ball and hide or even turn their anger on their loved ones instead.  It may be difficult to understand people like that but it is important we do not judge them and that instead we be patient and offer our assistance to them.  At the same time, we are not to allow them to continue on in their way unnoticed or walk all over us in their anger.  Keep loving them and praying that someday they will have a chance of heart and let a little light inside of them.

With other people they can sustain catastrophe after catastrophe will grace and strength and bravely continue on in their lives through anything.  They may be lying on their death bed, been left by someone they love, lost someone in a tragic accident, had a miscarriage, been afflicted by a painful disease… unfortunately the list goes on and on.  Such is life.  There will be lots of bad things but all of the good and wonderful things make it all worth it.  Those strong, amazing people are the ones that I admire intensely and hope to be like. 

So know that throughout your life the darkness will come but will eventually give way to the light.  Stand strong, grab someone’s hand, and journey on through the winding road of life.  Believe me, it’s worth it. Never give up and never lose heart for you are greatly loved by many.

Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

PERFECTION IS A SHORT ROAD TO DISAPPOINTMENT

Crystal Weber 10-02-11

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.  ~Confucius, Analects

Nobody’s perfect.  This is something I’ve heard as long as I remember but it is still hard to think about.  I was one of those born with a trait called perfectionism. Mistakes are inevitable for humans but that doesn’t mean they are easy to swallow.  I can’t stand it when I mess up. But I would rather be constantly working towards something than be lazy, so it’s not all bad. As with everything in life, it’s all about balance and so I’m working on finding that exact balance best for my life and you can too.  Robert Hillyer once said, “Perfectionism is a dangerous state of mind in an imperfect world.” After all, pencils have erasers and computers have the backspace key – mistakes can be fixed so don’t dwell on them.

So, when you mess up in your own life, don’t beat yourself up about it.  Just take what you can learn from it and move on with your life.  Mistakes are the quickest way to learn lessons and experience personal growth.  If we are constantly chasing after perfectionism we will miss out on our lives.  Look around – do you know anyone who lived their life perfect, without mistakes? Sure, Jesus! But no one except the Son of God can claim to live their life in perfection so just relax and know that it’s ok that you mess up.  Other people will forgive you and so you need to forgive yourself too.  According to John Henry Newman, “A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.”  Don’t waste your life waiting for something that deep down you know cannot come to pass.  Go out and live in boldness today in the knowledge that you will mess up sometimes but that in no way diminishes your character or accomplishments. 

I feel like sometimes we don’t go for something because they are afraid we won’t succeed.  I’ve discovered life’s just too short not go try.  “Striving for perfection is the greatest stopper there is. You'll be afraid you can't achieve it. ... It's your excuse to yourself for not doing anything. Instead, strive for excellence, doing your best,” Sir Laurence Olivier. My personal mantra is to work hard and do my very best and go for it because I’d rather try for something and fail than never try and always wonder.  And who knows, maybe I will even succeed?  Many of the world’s greatest figures we would never heard of if they had quit the first time they failed.

“Use what talents you have; the woods would have little music if no birds

sang their song except those who sang best,” Reverend Oliver G. Wilson.

Perfection is a short road to disappointment and life is a long, winding road so just be yourself and do your best and live your life out loud J

FIRST PERFORMANCE

Crystal Weber 09-18-11

So I had my first-ever two-hour original-song concert last night and it went amazing :)  There was a wonderful turnout and it seems like everyone had a lot of fun.  I have performed in public countless times through the years but never for a two-hour show of just me playing my own original music.  It is so much different but so rewarding.   Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

I can tell you I was so very nervous yesterday before show time.  I was driving my poor husband crazy I am sure with my anxiety.  However shortly before show time I shot up a quick prayer, as soon as I started playing a peace washed over me and I was able to focus on getting out my messages through my music and having a fun time doing what I love.  I am thinking that for future performances I will be much calmer beforehand as I know what to expect and will remember the incredible rush that comes from doing what you are made for.  I also learned more about the on-going lesson of to just trust and have faith.  We are to be positive and leave it all in God’s hands that he will provide.  As with everything, self-improvement and awareness is a life-long process and learning and growth. 

I am going to keep on working on my music and performing as I feel a calling to share it with others so that hopefully they will be encouraged and inspired in their own lives from it.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

    

MARK THAT OFF THE BUCKET LIST

Crystal Weber 09-10-11

“Losers quit when they’re tired. Winners quit when they’ve won.” ~ Author Unknown

I did it!  I can officially mark running a half marathon off of my bucket list – whoot whoot!!  13.1 miles done.

It was very extremely difficult not to push myself past my limits and pass people I thought I could have but probably shouldn’t.  I knew it was very important to listen to my body and heart rate so I didn’t get hurt.  I am a very competitive person in everything I do by nature and always strive for excellence. I can tell you I was tossing up more than one prayer up to God while doing my run that I would not get injured and once I finished I thanked Him I didn’t get hurt and that I finished with a decent time.  I think I could be a pretty good runner if I trained for it more, but I just have way too many other things I enjoy more to devote that much time to it. If only someone could invent a way to add more hours to the day :)

Anyway, the endorphins I felt when I was done were amazing as was the sense of fulfillment.  However, I am so incredibly sore today!  It is comical to watch me walking at the moment.  But I know come Monday I’ll feel back to normal.  I do know that I find great joy in running 5Ks and 10Ks and that a half marathon is just one of those things I always wanted to do in my life at some point so checking that off the list!  Who knows, maybe I’ll attempt it again in a few years but I would like to go back to 5Ks and 10Ks next year so I can run faster and finish higher up but I have learned to never say never.  This was a very positive, life-learning experience for me.   

I will revel in the knowledge that I have completed this goal and retain the memories I acquired attaining it.

Anyway, go run in the grand race of life and keep on pushing to the finishing line, you all-stars!

Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV)

YOUR LIFE IS A SOUNDTRACK

Crystal Weber 09-02-11

“The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” Exodus 15:2   Music is the expression of the soul. It can comfort us when we are having a tough day or it can pump us up before a big challenge.  It can help us fall into love and it can help us celebrate a happy time in our life.  My life has always been a soundtrack of music.  I can hear a certain song and be transported back to the first time I heard it or some significant moment that was occurring when I heard that song playing.  I am sure it is the same for many of you as well.  A life without music would be a horrible thing.  Take a little time and think about what songs have influenced you throughout your life.

The last year and a half is when I really started writing songs.  I have always been into playing music; just other people’s. I never realized what a different story doing other people’s music versus your own would be until I got into it.  Writing songs for me has been so therapeutic, inspiring, and fun!  I love it and am continuing to develop my skills and study theory.  As amazing as it is, it is as equally terrifying to me.  Some people are writers that sit down and actively write at scheduled times.  Others are hit with inspiration quickly and surely.  I fall into the latter group.  I will be suddenly struck with an idea and grab a pad of paper and pen and in the next ten minutes a song will form.  Then on from there I add the rest of the music and fine-tune it and do the hard work of course.  But the original process of writing just flies onto the page in a sort of quick burst of excitement.  I am not sure whether or not this is the norm, nor do I think that particularly matters.  It works for me and God wires us all in different ways and it is up to us to discover which ways he wired us and to accept and go along with it.  I can only trust in Him that my muse will continue and my inspiration will not be fleeting.

I think we are all inspired by different people, places, and things.  Everything happens for a reason and we need to learn what we can from our life experiences and draw the good that we can out of anything that occurs.  Music is not about the artist, but the listener.  This follows the pattern of life because life is not about you but about what you can do for others and how you can influence and change lives. 

Unleash your inner songwriter.  Grab some paper or your laptop and get writing.  But if that’s not your passion or talent, go and find whatever it is and work as hard as you possibly can.  After all, you are made for greatness so figure it out and live boldly and bravely.  As for me, I am going to continue to push hard to become the best musical instrument for God that I can possibly be. 

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.” Psalm 104:33

Your life is a soundtrack.  What song is currently playing on yours?  Turn it up and free your soul!

COME ON, LET’S BE REAL

Crystal Weber 08-26-11

What does it mean to be “real”? Is it to be who the world sees us to be and expects us to be, or is it who we are when we are alone or with our must trusted companions?  The world sends us mixed messages because at times it appears to want us to be the Stepford family with everything appearing perfect, but at other times it appears to want us to be the drama-filled mess of any of the Real Housewives shows on Bravo.  I don’t believe we should live either way.  Avoid the drama and look to get along but by no means look to just fit in.  How boring would the world be if we were all cookie-cutter personalities?  It is our differences that make us interesting.  And while life is so messy at times – and that is simply the way it is and perfectly normal – that doesn’t mean we have to spread the mess to everyone else and get them messy as well.  “Do not walk through time without leaving worthy evidence of your passage,” Pope John XXIII.  Make a positive difference in the world while leaving your mark.  Be yourself! 

I think as teenagers we are so concerned with being what everyone else wants us to be and tend to fall on two extremes: we either want to blend into the wall like the wallpaper or else we want to stand out and be noticed everywhere we go.  I think teenage years are such a turbulent time of change and growth but that hopefully after we pass those awkward yet important years we can move into adulthood with a desire to just be ourselves.  You should grow a “take it or leave it” attitude with the world and know that you are OK not trying to conform with the mold.  Please don’t think this is a free pass to treat others badly.  This attitude is only acceptable when you are doing things in love and striving to make someone else’s life better.  It means taking a stand when you know something is wrong. John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”  We need to determine the right course of action and follow through with it.  Sometimes that means a word of correction to someone but sometimes that just means remaining silent and leading others by example.  “You will guide me with Your council, and afterward receive me to honor and glory,” Psalm 73:24.  Just listen to that still, small voice in your heart and you’ll figure out what to do.

Being real sounds like the simplest thing in the world, but it is often so hard!  The world judges us each and every day and it often seems like it is looking for the smallest crack in our façade to expose us as failures.  The gossip magazine and tabloids are testaments to that, especially in these recent times. But we all fail and will experience rejection at various points in our life so when it happens, don’t have fear.  Just be positive because “it shall be done for you as you have believed,” Matthew 8:13.   Own your failures and keep working to your next success.  Life is a mixed bag and that is part of what makes it so interesting and fun.

So please, just be real!  Ken and Barbie are just boring little plastic dolls.   You’ll find people want to know the real you because you are so much better.  Share your heart and soul with the world and allow your true personality to develop over time.  You are an awesome, unique individual so let your light shine.

DON’T JUST DREAM – DREAM BIG

Crystal Weber 08-21-11

If you could be anything in the world, what would you be? I remember when we were in Kindergarten the community newspaper asked us that question and the standard answers came out like professional athlete, firefighter, doctor, police officer, farmer, and so on.  I think my answer was something like rockstar/ballerina/Chicago Cubs shortshop.  When we are little we dream big.  Somewhere along the lines for many of us, we settle into day-to-day operations of life and lose sight of our dreams.  But why? God has made it quite clear we are to dream big.  “…Because you have so little faith I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  How inspiring is that?  That is so awesome!

I believe God has great things in store for everyone, myself included.  I no longer aspire to the rockstar/ballerina/Chicago Cubs shortstop of my youth, but it is my dream that my music will spread to bring hope, joy, and comfort to others.  The world is an ever-changing place, sometimes so happy and sometimes so sad, but it is the love and joy in our lives that make it both worth it and possible to get through any adversity.  There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh…” Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.

Be bold in your dreams and do not be afraid to go for them.  If it is God’s will, in His good time they will come to pass.  Sometimes we are guilty of whining to God, “But I’ve been waiting so long already, how much longer? I want this now!” Patience is not an easy trait to master, but continue to press on and work hard toward your goal, as you can’t sit idly by and watch your dream come to pass.  It takes hard work!

In addition, your dreams and God’s plans for you may not always match up.  If it is for your own good only and causes harm to others, please realize that would not be coming from God.  He gives us dreams that will not only bless us, but also bless others around us.  Even if you have a noble dream and it doesn’t come to pass do not give up as it may not yet be the time.  Or it may be that God has an even greater plan for you than you have even imagined. For the biggest dreamer of all is God and he loves to see His people succeed.  Believe me when I say that God has a plan for each and every one of us.  “…each man has his own gift from God…” 1 Corinthians 4:7.  We are all worthy and priceless.

You are a special, beautiful creature – as one-of-a-kind as the snowflakes in the sky and you fit perfectly into the puzzle of life.  Without you being yourself, life’s puzzle is incomplete so take comfort in your worth.  Keep this in mind when life gets you down.  Don’t wait for your life to start and don’t waste a single day.  Marcus Aurelius once said, “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” 

So take a little time, listen to the still soft voice in your heart, and work diligently toward your dreams.  Go out into the world, you wonderful rockstars, and live the awesome life awaiting you!

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to my blog!  You can say I am one of those people that has too many hobbies: singing/songwriting, guitar, keyboard, running half marathon, bicycling, shopping, designing clothing, sewing, basketball, volleyball, tennis, writing short stories and poems, interior designing, photography, reading books, studying, and traveling.  But I believe life is should be experience and well-lived so I don't mind being busy. My favorite hobby of course is music :)

I love to hang out with my amazing family and friends, as it is the people in our lives that make it worth living.

Life for people is a mixed bag - sometimes bitter and sometimes sweet.  Learn from the tough times and live in the wonderful times and remember that your life is what you make of it, so make it rock!