Radical Love

I mean... I would consider myself to be a loving person? someone who shares, and is kind towards people, doing all I can to help sincerely..HMMMM little did I know that this belief of myself was about to be radically challenged and changed in just a matter of months.


So, in our house we are all so used to doing things on our own. We would make our own meals, buy our own groceries,walk to college alone, always be in our rooms, apart from the rare occasions where we get to share our food or just have a small chat with each other. And this used to be our norm until in this beginning of this Semester, this beautiful Asian girl moved into our house and started literally rocking our world.


She buy groceries for the half of the house and she would cook for everyone. Her constant question, "Hey you want to have dinner?", she would initiate random worship jam sessions in the house and suggest that we all walk to college together or maybe sit in church together, and yeah I was alright with that; I mean I could deal with some sharing.. And then she starts giving even more. She is never calculative and when we ask her how much we should pay her, she would say, "I forgot lah!!". She will cook and clean and she always smiled doing it.


I must admit though, in that season were some of my darkest and most crazy days on which I would just like to be left alone without food or even company, but she and my other housemate never left me by myself. They would constantly knock on my door and ask me to come out for dinner or just be outside with them while they sang songs. I would just mostly be silent and sometimes be all emotional but they were okay and very chilled with that. Sometimes I felt as if I couldn't feel anymore and they would just be close. No intention of making things better or finding out what is going on. Just to love and be there. No questions asked just all answered with love. Those are the days where my eyes began to open so much. I am forever grateful I had them with me in that season.


This kept going. Things started to get better but she just kept loving and at one point I realized that I was getting a little bit uncomfortable with the way she just kept going and loving and i remember one day just crying out to God and saying "Lord I am a loving person, You taught me to love and share and I thought that I am okay with this but why do I feel so uncomfortable and in a way wanting to pay her back or do something for her (which is not  wrong btw) and its like I feel bad. And God just instantly challenged my mindset. He said "sweetheart this is what loving others is about. It is not about staying in your comfort and loving people from that zone and when it becomes uncomfortable, shying away." Loving only to an extent where I am still able to live my own selfish life.


God began challenging my love for Him in a radical way. He began challenging my love for others and it was uncomfortable at times (well most of the time). Something I thought came so easy for me all my life was being radically challenged and changed, till now when I look at someone for the first time my heart is compelled to love. To think positive thoughts of them even when it is hard. To believe the best in them just as Jesus would.


How about those who are not so kind? or haven't been in the past? Oh well Jesus still loves them and I'm still learning to love and accept people the way He fashioned and designed them. I'm not perfect. I have so much I want Him to challenge still and grow in. I guess if they are mean to you? just smile politely and walk away, and then don't allow that rejection to get to you. Just let it go :) Think of lovely things instead. Of how faithful God is and how much He loves us without boundaries.


Love is never self seeking, It never keeps records of wrongs, it is never envious or easily angered, it is patient and kind, it does not boast, it does not delight in evil but delights in the truth, it always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails.

That is the Love of our great Father towards humanity which was represented by Jesus and is constantly outworked by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. If only we could all love this way and forget titles and forget the 'ME' 'I' element, how many more broken people will be found in the church? What if we just loved them till they couldn't sin anymore because of the overwhelming love of the Father? What if we didn't care so much about their sin but their soul. What if we just did the loving and allowed God to do the changing. What would happen if we allowed God's love to shine more than us?

Rachel Lim and Shu Shu thank you so much for demonstrating God's love in such a powerful way in my life. Thank you for allowing God to Challenge me and change my thinking completely, And Thank you Lord for loving us the way you do, thank you that you challenge us and change us each day with your loving embrace, transforming us with your radical love.

Love on somebody today everyone :) Jesus loves them and we should too. May the church of Christ today be filled with the Radical love of Jesus.

All my love
Crystal

We Dance

We Dance by Bethel Music and Steffany Frizzell Gretzinger

 from the album ' You Make me Brave'

You steady me
Slow and sweet we sway
Take the lead and I will follow

Finally ready now
To close my eyes and just believe
That you won’t lead me where you don’t go

When my faith gets tired
And my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round
And remind me of that song
The one you wrote for me

And we dance
And we dance

I’ve been told
To pick up my sword
And fight for love
Little did I know
That love had won for me

Here in your arms
You still my heart again
And I breathe you in
Like I’ve never breathed till now

When my faith gets tired
And my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round
And remind me of that song
The one you wrote for me

And we dance
And we dance
And we dance
And we dance
Just you and me

And I will lock eyes
With the one who’s ransomed me
The one who gave me joy from mourning



And I will lock eyes
With the one who’s chosen me
The one who set my feet to dancing

We dance
Just you and me

It’s nice to know
I’m not alone
I’ve found my home here in your arms

Jesus

When I thought of that beautiful name this morning, the first words that came to my mind naturally were;

"The Expression of God's love"

That phrase itself left me astounded for a few minutes. My father in all His Glory fell deeply in love with the masterpiece that He so carefully created. Although He knew that we would disappoint Him and turn our backs on Him, the extent of His all so perfect love, never shrank, instead He would send His most priced possession, who would be exactly like Him in all perfection and without sin or blemish but yet fully like us, fallen in nature, temperamental, unsure, always being tempted but would never sin. "Jesus was completely man and completely God." that scripture always blows my mind :) 

The very large expression of the Father's love was demonstrated  by His one and only beloved Son. Beautiful, Jesus. Who in turn became our Savior, the lover of our lives, the pathway to God the Father, the only chance we had to be intimate with a Great and Mighty God again after the fall.

I am so Glad today and everyday that God choose to express His love towards us through Jesus. There is no way we could ever repay Him or even come close to loving Him like He does us. We could however, give our all to Him and make Him our everything. Because in this world, even though a lot of things look attractive and feel so good, once you know Jesus and the extent of His love for you, nothing could ever come close. 

Trust me I've been there and today more than anyone in my world, from my heart, although my life may not be perfect but I am found in complete intimacy with my Father through Jesus and beautiful Holy Spirit. If you find yourself searching today, Jesus is the only answer. If you find yourself far away from God, Jesus is the only answer. If you are struggling with temptation and sin then fall in love with Jesus and His presence cos then nothing will be able to replace that in your life. I encourage you today to say Yes to Jesus, whoever you are and wherever you may be in Life. Jesus loves you and is waiting for you.

All my Love

Crystaline

We all have that F.R.I.E.N.D

- who was extremely awkward when you talked for the first time. 

- who got to know you so quickly it felt like you had known each other for ages. 

- who u suddenly felt extremely comfortable around. 

- who you suddenly thought of calling when you had a miserable day but u ended up crying and felt like a total idiot after :) 

- who slaps you for no reason or just fist fights with you to tell you they are there. 

-who makes you laugh till you cry and your tummy hurts. 

- whom you have had huge fights with till you both end up in tears but then still make up and fight more later :) 

- who you refused to talk to for a long period of time because u thought they were horrible. 

- who found you in your darkest moment and came down to where you were..not wanting to bring you back up but to just be there with you and for you. 

- who reminded you of your call and the purpose God had intended for your life.

- who sided with you when the whole world stood against you. (Even when you were wrong sometimes) 

-who when you do life with them there is nothing complicated about it. It's easy, ur happy.

- who encouraged you to keep pushing through when everything seemed hopeless. 

- who remembered the dreams you dreamt when the world forgot and even you forgot.

- who stood with you through the accomplishment of the dream, reminding you that every challenge was a stepping stone to victory.

- who keeps reminding you each day how grateful they are to have you in their lives. 

-who keep telling you that you are worth it no matter the mess.

- who will stick with you forever no matter the circumstance or distance. 

God friendships are lifelong friendships and lifelong friendships are precious.. 

The hashtags

#noothername

I would like to start this post by just saying that July has been one of the most hectic and tiring months but at the same time the most rewarding that I've experienced. 

Remembering my slogan for June 'doing June well', I was all prepared to spend Hillsong Conference days with my family from Home :) they arrived at the end of June and man the week from there was nothing but amazing. So glad we got to see more of Sydney, got to be impacted by Hillsong Conference and also at the same time just bond and have heaps of fun together. 

For me serving at conference this year was from a whole other perspective of "God what can I do to facilitate what you are going to do in the lives of people from all over the world?" Going strong from the first day, His grace just saw me through to a fact that on the last day I was able to just sit in and enjoy conference together with the gang. I'm truly grateful to God for His grace and so much abundant love that He pours out over me. 

And these guys are the best support system anyone could ask for. I truly love them and appreciate them. 

#Chennai #mission

We had planned to leave a day after conference ended so we could make it for our mission trip to India on Sunday night and I also get to see more of my YO family before I leave but hmmmm WE MISSED OUR FLIGHT!! Dang it!! Long story and I shall not elaborate further. Best day of my life (going home) turned into a horrific situation (missing the flight) and then things turned around for the good (as always by His love and mercies).

Finally reached Singapore on Sunday afternoon, had a quick re-pack session and wash up and off we flew to Chennai!! Till today I am so grateful some of my bros n sis came to the airport. Also extremely grateful for mumma and her being so thoughtful with bringing my stuff for me. 

The next 10 days I have no words to describe other than utter wonder and amazement. God just showed up in a huge way, His presence made manifest and right before our eyes we saw especially the barrier of age and language being broken. I have no idea how to speak Tamil (I understand a lil bit) but as we laid hands on the people and prayed, Holy Spirit began to just minister to them in a supernatural way. While praying I couldn't hold back my tears cos I felt His love and power.

I think a very defining moment for me in the trip was when we got the opporcunity to do school ministries. We didn't know what to expect but when we reached there, we found out that 95% of the almost 2000 kids were non believers and as they began to sing, my gosh!! I couldn't hold back my tears!! Without them knowing, they drew the presence of God in such a tangible manner. 

Ministering to them and speaking into their lives for me just meant the world.. For me it meant that another generation is ready to rise up to take the world for Jesus. It meant that no matter what the devil tries to do to hold back our generation, THE ENEMY HAS TO BE SILENCED when the children of God begin praising their King. Once He is enthroned, no devil will be able to rise!! 

We did have heaps of fun too, with the fact that I got to be among 3 amazing young pastors, who are not just passionate and powerful but crazy and fun too. Good friends they are.

School minjstry :) (now you know what I mean)

Some of the amazing young people we got to minister to at the youth rally. 

The amazing and EPIC team ( Dream team!!) missing a few people.

#Home #YouthOutbreak #CalvaryCityChurch #Family 

Then it was time to go home. There is nothing like home. After all the anticipation of reaching home when we finally entered JB I couldn't help but start tearing. Although I felt like sleeping the whole day I couldn't waste any time :) I had things to do and people to catch up with..I was excited haha.. 

I got a new haircut!! Cos I thought oh well time for a change..she cut it too short at first but now I like how it's growing and looking better :) 

 U like? 

Also got to serve with the best people on the planet (totally biased but who cares?) loved seeing all of them again, chatting, laughing, late nights, doing amazing things for Jesus and of cos eating all the awsome food.

Again this time I got to see the Holy Spirit lead and guide me in serving, taking me further into the deep, but also just completely resting and walking knowing I can trust Him and rely on His voice and leading. It's where you are completely rested in Him that His presence is free to flow. Many times we block the flow with our strive and trying to make things go the way we want. I've learnt to just chill and allow Him to take time to do what He needs to :) it's pretty amazing and very freeing I must say. 

I loved serving with the Sunday worship team..love all of you heaps if you're reading this. I loved how we just took a step back and allowed the Holy Spirit to move. Felt so comfortable leading and doing it with all of you. It's the best!! Reuben man if you're reading this!! It's was an honor co-leading with you!! Such a carrier of the presence of God. 

Home was heaps of fun, lots of laughs and a lot of love :) 

Josh!!! Keep going for God man!! 

Any chance for a selfie with this guy :)

Youth service :) JUMP- only the best!! 

YO chicks!! Syg sangat

Ain't no party like an INJU party cos the INJU party don't stop!! Love my INJUS 

This guy!!! World changer and all :) 

The most precious part about home :) 

Well that was a long!! Heaps long post but I'm back in Syndey and July is coming to an end!! All in all I have 4 months before I Fly back home. Loving life and everything God is doing in me. Praying for more, seeking and desiring for the deep things of God :) 

Excited for this new semester and all the God has in store. 

Ps Johnny : Cheers Bestie to the most exciting adventure of your life!! So proud of you, will be praying for you always!! U.S of the A awaits you!! :) 

Till next time 

All my love

Crystal

Miracles

Woke up this morning and got to talk to these 2 :). Its nothing short of a miracle how close we have become after living together for about a year and almost killing each other multiple times. 

I cry now that we are so far apart. Every time I get to talk to the both of them I feel so much joy within me and just the feeling of satisfaction that I get to be myself and not in any way be judged by it. 

Just to laugh at the silly things we used to do and now be able to make sense of it ( not everything tho).

I love you both and all you are to me. Thank you for your friendship,sincerity and love! We are family and, family don't ever lose each other. Keep listening to Him and speaking to me because that encouragement you bring? it is beyond imagination the best words that I just sometimes need to hear.

A great man once said "Show me your friends and I will show you your future". Remember that?? Well if these legends are my friends, then I don't have to worry about what my future holds because even if I lose sight of what God has showed me and I walk away from His leading for some reason, I know they will be there looking me straight in the eye and this is what Bobby would say " Crystal you're just stubborn and you don't want to hear the voice of God, now get back on track!!" Alyssa would say " I don't know if I'm on the rails about this but I think you really need to let that go!!" Tough love but I LOVE IT!!

Thank you Lord for Godly friends who love you and cherish Your word and Your will :) Thank you for friends who tell the truth and only want the best for me.

PS: To all my amazing friends out there, thank you for being all you are to me. I am glad God placed you in my life for such a time as this and for forever :) I pray as we continue building this friendship, we will encourage each other to be all God has called us to be and even more.

June

Hello everyone.. first of all happy JUNE!! It is going to be an amazing month not only for me but for all of you reading this too :)

The past few weeks have been very hectic but yet joyful and very defining for me..having God speak to me and show me clear directions for the future and yet, still my heart and allow me to rest and flourish in my now. I guess that is the need in today's generation. We are so focused on the promise and the future that we forget the promise giver, we forget that we are in our season now for a purpose and that we should do it well without allowing distractions to get in the way. And we should seek and love Him first.

Learning, learning, learning...growing growing, growing..challenge, challenge, challenge..is all God has been taking me through these few months that I have been back in college, and i think last week was the most significant. It being college break and all, Renee and I were supposed to take some time off to go around Sydney and explore!! (FUN!! I WAS SO EXCITED) but 2 days before break started, God literally challenged me to just not go anywhere but to spend time praying in my room and hearing from Him, also to just pursue His presence and be intimate with Him. I thank God for Godly friends because Renee had no problem with that at all :) she needed time alone with God as well. I have to say it was the best time i have had ever on a break. 3 days that brought clarity and assurance in my heart of His love for me, of the plan He has for me and also intersession for everyone in my world.

The reason I said all that is because you are not too young or old for you to allow God to challenge you. It is not uncool, it is not weird and it is not unheard of. I believe with all my heart as the times are getting darker and darker, as more evil just envelopes our world, God is raising up a generation that will be SET APART for Him and His purposes. A generation that doesn't seek to please men or live according their dictations but that will be completely sold out for God in their heart. A spirit led generation that will not move unless God shows up, that will not speak unless He does and that does not sing unless its' His words.

I am praying with all my heart everyday for my generation and the generation to come. I am praying for God to pour out His Spirit in a way we have never seen or encountered before. That He will blow our minds and cause us to seek Him even more. I pray that if you are reading this you will pray along with me too.

In other news I had an amazing day today too :) it was officially the last day of break..I've had a good rest and to end the day Neereta n I decided it was time for a much needed catch up. We are chatting and laughing like crazy (as we do) we share our hearts and finally we decide to spend time praying together and for each other. Close our eyes and say "Holy Spirit we welcome You" and His presence just comes with such weight and fire. We start worshiping and singing (on Skype :) ) and she begins praying and prophesying. I feel so encouraged after talking to her and praying with her. I am so grateful for this prayer partner/sister God has placed in my life.

Again we are never too young, old, mature or immature to live a life that is set apart and called. The people we spend our time with? they are heaps important too. Young people if you want to stay strong in your relationship with God? find an accountability/prayer partner that will stand with you and will walk with you through life. That will not judge but will love you through all that you go through.

Well that's all for now. I pray that challenged you and somehow spoke to you. Have an amazing week everyone!! :)

PS: Lets by His grace do the month of JUNE well!!

 I love you Neereta!! You are a blessing in every way :)

All my love
Crystal