There is new life fluttering around inside me as I type struggle to find the words to write this post. My brain is filled with all new questions, fears, and moments of unexpected joy – and a remarkably fewer number of eloquent words and inspiring blog posts. God is using this little one, no bigger than a carrot at this stage, to breathe new life into my heart and my marriage. And it is so good.
In my new struggle to focus, I’m trying to consolidate, slow down, and pinpoint priorities. I weed through emails every morning, deleting the usual junk, saving blog posts that I want to read later over a cup of coffee and responding to others. I’ve recently started receiving a new category of emails: the baby updates. Every week I receive an email called “Ages and Stages” from a baby website. It’s one of approximately five emails on baby related topics that come through my inbox every week, and to be honest – I don’t always read them. But the subject of this one, “Ages and Stages,” has been floating around in my brain for the last week.
God has revealed to me through recent circumstances that our baby is not the only one going through growth spurts, stages, and changes. God has me in a season of reflecting upon “Ages and Stages” right now. My needs now are different than they were last year, five years ago, and definitely ten years ago. The stage that I’m in at this time in my life requires different support systems, friendships, and encouragement than I needed even a few short months ago. My marriage has a new focus, new goals, and new struggles.
“Be strong and courageous. The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I’ve developed new friendships, strengthened them, and watched them fade. I’ve set goals, achieved them, and realized that God has other plans for me. I’ve struggled to find consistency in the middle of all of these changing “Ages and Stages.” And when the changes seem overwhelming, I’ve found that there is something – rather, someone – to hold on to. God. He never changes. He knows where I’ve come from, where I am right now, and where He wants to take me. He knows why I am where I am, at this age and stage in my life, and He knows what I need. When my “humanness” desires for everything to stay the same and slow down, just for a minute – He knows – like the best Father, what is really best for me, my marriage, and my relationship with Him. It’s not always easy to watch friendships fade and to struggle to find footing in a new stage of life, but God knows what I need.
And He knows what you need, too. Whether you’re in a new age, a new stage, or feel stuck in a place you would rather escape, trust God to provide. Trust Him to know what nourishment, support, and encouragement is best for where you are right now. He will not fail. And neither, my sweet friend, will you. Let Him breathe new life into your heart today.
By Crystal Stine, Shine
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Amy Hunt says
How incredibly freeing to live knowing we are exactly where God wants us for the moment. He does know what we need, exactly when we need it–including right. now. I seek Him for new life into my heart each day, including today. This is such a powerful post.
Rich blessings, Crystal, as you continue to trust your Father to provide what you need–every. day…
Crystal says
Thanks Amy, so honored that you enjoyed it. Will have you in my prayers today!
Amy Hunt says
How incredibly freeing to live knowing we are exactly where God wants us for the moment. He does know what we need, exactly when we need it–including right. now. I seek Him for new life into my heart each day, including today. This is such a powerful post.
Rich blessings, Crystal, as you continue to trust your Father to provide what you need–every. day…
Christy says
Very encouraging, thanks!
Crystal says
Thanks Christy 🙂
Tricia McLain says
{{BIG}} smiles for your growing family! May He richly bless you as you join the journey of motherhood!! It is a beautiful journey of “seasons”- full of surrender & joy!
Crystal says
Tricia, you’re sweet! Thank you so much – I love when I think I’m writing something to encourage others and end up being so blessed by all your kind comments! Love this community {grin}
Linda Stoll says
Every season has its pleasures, joys, challenges. It’s good to welcome those seasons, and to know when to say good-bye as you enter a new one.
Thanks for the thought-filled perspective. And … blessings on your family!
Crystal says
Thanks so much Linda!
Linda Stoll says
Every season has its pleasures, joys, challenges. It’s good to welcome those seasons, and to know when to say good-bye as you enter a new one.
Thanks for the thought-filled perspective. And … blessings on your family!
Beth Williams says
First of all congratulations on pregnancy!!
I love this paragraph stating:
I’ve set goals, achieved them, and realized that God has other plans for me. I’ve struggled to find consistency in the middle of all of these changing “Ages and Stages.” And when the changes seem overwhelming, I’ve found that there is something – rather, someone – to hold on to. God. He never changes. He knows where I’ve come from, where I am right now, and where He wants to take me. He knows why I am where I am, at this age and stage in my life, and He knows what I need. When my “humanness” desires for everything to stay the same and slow down, just for a minute – He knows – like the best Father, what is really best for me, my marriage, and my relationship with Him.
That paragraph spoke volumes to me. There are times I think He wants me in this direction, then low and behold He says no stay where I put you and bloom some more.
I also absolutely love the phrase ages & stages. People go through various stages and ages in their lifetimes. I find that quite fitting for the title of this post!
Thanks for posting something so wonderful!
Crystal says
Wow! I’m beyond honored that you liked it so much, what a joy to read such a kind comment this evening 🙂
Beth Williams says
First of all congratulations on pregnancy!!
I love this paragraph stating:
I’ve set goals, achieved them, and realized that God has other plans for me. I’ve struggled to find consistency in the middle of all of these changing “Ages and Stages.” And when the changes seem overwhelming, I’ve found that there is something – rather, someone – to hold on to. God. He never changes. He knows where I’ve come from, where I am right now, and where He wants to take me. He knows why I am where I am, at this age and stage in my life, and He knows what I need. When my “humanness” desires for everything to stay the same and slow down, just for a minute – He knows – like the best Father, what is really best for me, my marriage, and my relationship with Him.
That paragraph spoke volumes to me. There are times I think He wants me in this direction, then low and behold He says no stay where I put you and bloom some more.
I also absolutely love the phrase ages & stages. People go through various stages and ages in their lifetimes. I find that quite fitting for the title of this post!
Thanks for posting something so wonderful!
Kristen says
Phew, you nailed it here, girl! The business of babies grows you in ways unimaginable–literally and figuratively! I’m thrilled your pregnancy has already drawn you closer to our Lord, the giver of all good things. I’m praying right now these Father-trusting moments grow stronger and deeper as your parenting journey continues!
Crystal says
Thanks Kristen 🙂 Isn’t it great how God uses ALL things for His good? (love your avatar photo btw, so friendly & smiley!)
Gloria says
First, let me say congratulations on your growing family.
Second, I want to say Thank You for posting this. I feel I am in an “awkward” stage at the moment. I am growing and learning and things are changing in my relationship with God. I needed that reminder that He will provide what I have need of even in this stage that I would rather NOT be in – but all is well. Thanks for the encouragement.
Be blessed.
Crystal says
Gloria, thanks so much for reading & commenting – I’ll be praying that God comforts you in this season and reveals – in His time – why He has you here. Not all seasons are comfortable, but He’s with you, always!
Gloria says
First, let me say congratulations on your growing family.
Second, I want to say Thank You for posting this. I feel I am in an “awkward” stage at the moment. I am growing and learning and things are changing in my relationship with God. I needed that reminder that He will provide what I have need of even in this stage that I would rather NOT be in – but all is well. Thanks for the encouragement.
Be blessed.
Ages & Stages - Crystal Stine says
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