5/4/2016 0 Comments Haiti Missions TripAt the very beginning of this year I prayed that I would get to the opportunity to travel abroad. Now I have the amazing opportunity to go spread the gospel in Haiti! But I need your help. Your prayers are needed and if you'd like to donate, click on my GoFundMe account!
https://www.gofundme.com/bmyzjc3g
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1/15/2016 1 Comment Black is wack, light is...right?I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139: 14 Last week I watched a movie on the TVOne network called "Skinned". It was about a dark skinned girl who was told that she was not beautiful because her skin wasn't light. She was ridiculed, disowned by her friends, and scarred from years of feeling inadequate. Her inadequacy went past the depths of her soul. She felt worthless. I was really intrigued with the subject so I did further research. Upon my research, I came across a news article that was published about a year ago. The article explained how African-American, African, and Indian women use skin bleaching skin creams to make their skin lighter. This broke my heart and more than anything enraged me. Why is it society's job, or anybody's job to discriminate against someone because God decided to make them dark and lovely? No one has the right to make any kind of judgement against anyone because we CANNOT control how our skin looks. What enraged me the most about the movie is that it wasn't societal norms that were pointing the fingers, but it was other black women who had lighter skin. In one of the scenes, a light skinned girl threw a party and asked the bouncer to do the brown paper bag test. In simple terms, if you were lighter than a paper bag, you were admitted into the party. And those who were darker, were turned away. The brown paper bag test dates back to slavery times. Slave masters gave slaves with lightly colored skin a bit more privileges than the darker skinned slaves. Somehow this mentality still taints the black society. And yes, the light skinned girls vs. dark skinned girls battle has been around for years, but the truth is the grass is not greener on either of the sides. God created us in His image. I am a true believer that God makes no mistakes. If you were blessed with beautiful, gorgeous dark chocolate skin, my sister, you better embrace it. So what? People may have said that you'd look a whole lot better if you were "lighter", or some people have probably called you "ugly." God is a restorer, a healer, a deliverer, and your scars and wounds can be restored. My prayer is that women of all nationalities completely own and LOVE who they are and what they look like. We are always stuck looking at other women and we are constantly comparing ourselves. We always think well, maybe if I had her skin color with her hair. No ma'am! God created only one of you! No one can take your place! No one can complete your mission! You have a purpose! The truth is, I, myself am NOT lighter than a paper bag. But I absolutely LOVE who I am because the God I serve is faithful and when He made me, he did not make ANY mistakes. His plan for our lives is for our good--it gives us peace and is not meant for evil. If you struggle with your self-esteem, your looks, or even the color of your skin, here is a prayer starter. Lord allow me to be content with my portion. You've made me beautifully and wonderfully and I accept your love for me! I am ready to accept my mission and I submit to your will. Use my trials as a testimony and let your light shine through me! Continue to remind yourself who you are in Christ because honey, that is all that matters. Love you ladies, Kristal 1/2/2016 0 Comments New Year, New You!2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Every year we make New Years Resolutions with hopes of becoming a better person. We promise to lose weight, make better grades, eat healthier, cuss less, and love more. Then, usually after a few weeks, the excitement lessens and we go back to our old habits. We go back to eating unhealthy foods, we settle for average grades, and we only love the people who love us back. God has called us to do so many more things. The plans that He has for our lives goes beyond our comprehension. This year, I dare to dream bigger. I realized that I settled for average, and OK was always good enough until God revealed to me that He wanted me to do more for His kingdom. Last semester was very difficult for me and I questioned my gift a lot. My entire life people told me that I was a great writer and that my stories were captivating. They told me that I had a voice and what I had to say carried so much weight. But, I crippled my own creativity. I told myself that my writings were inadequate and I felt like the projects that I was creating in my classes were horrible. To be honest, I wanted to quit. I thought, maybe I should become a teacher, or I could work at a daycare. Those are great careers, but that is not what God was calling me to do at the time. Then I began to explore other facets within my major. And I realized that I could do so much more than just write. I was also great at photography, and producing and directing videos. I settled for one piece of the puzzle instead of trusting in the very gifts God has given to me. I understand that I AM capable of doing so much more because I didn't settle. Maybe some of you feel that way. You feel as if you're stuck in a situation because people told you that you weren't WORTHY enough to come out of it. Or, maybe you've sat on a dream that God promised you years ago. Well, my prayer for you is that dead dreams would be reawakened this year. I have talked to a few women who have big dreams to build businesses, mentor and teach children, or even go back to school. God is calling you NOW. If there is one thing that I've learned, it's that every time you sit on something that God has called you to do or make excuses, you are robbing someone else of a blessing, a break-through, a healing, and maybe a chance to experience CHRIST through you! God is calling you to go beyond what you thought you can do and the truth is through our natural eyes, things may seem impossible. But as Christians, we are called to live by FAITH and not by SIGHT. So I challenge you this year to love like you've never loved before, spend more time with God and your family and less time on your phone. Go out and network, and meet new people. Most importantly, pray and ask God WHAT and WHO He is calling you to. I'll leave you with this. Tonight, me and my best friends wrote letters to God. In these letters, we wrote our desires, needs, and thanked Him for everything He is going to do in this year. And then we went to the beach (I said a quick prayer), and we released them into the ocean (corny, right? lol). It was so freeing. In that ocean, I left all of the worry and the doubt, and replaced it with God's promises for my life. Continue to pursue God because He cares for you and wants you to have the BEST of everything. Don't settle for anything less than the best! #NewYearNewYou, Kristal Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house,1 but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. My entire life people have told me that I was hard-headed. The truth is I am stubborn. I am hard-headed. I like to think that I am independent. I like to make my own decisions, and YES I struggle with PRIDE. I don't like people thinking that they can control me in any way. So when I give others the authority over me, best believe that I may feel threatened by it. God has placed people in the authoritative position in our lives for a reason. We all need guidance and in return, we should always guide others. Up until recently, I have made many poor decisions. The most common decisions that get me into trouble are my emotional and financial decisions. I remember when I went out and got my first car from the dealership. I was so excited that I didn't think about the monthly payments or the insurance, I just bought a car (I know it was stupid). Anyways, I took it back. Though it was an embarrassing decision that I made, I knew that was what I had to do. Furthermore, I made more stupid decisions with my finances, and let's just say that there are some things that you can't take back, like an apartment (cough cough). Then there's my emotional spending issue. Whenever, I'm stressed out or in my feelings, I like to buy food and sweets. Anything sweet. Ice cream, cake, anything smothered in chocolate, pie, cookies, etc. Clearly, these unhealthy food choices are not good for me and though it may not seem like it affects me now, it will later on down the line. If I had thought about these choices and the long-term effects that it had on my life, then I probably would not have done them. Newsflash, that's using WISDOM people! For such a long time, I struggled and asked God to give me wisdom. So, about a week ago I just sat down and read a bunch of scriptures about wisdom. The most common thing that I found was that wisdom was carefully thinking about the life choices that you make as well as taking heed of advice from GODLY counsel. Not WORLDLY counsel. Godly counsel would never encourage you to go against your morals or beliefs. Who would of thought? James 1:5 (The Voice version) says this: Wisdom is the ability to live life well and make good decisions. Wisdom begins with knowing and depending absolutely on God, who is never stingy when it comes to wisdom for those who need it. He supplies all the wisdom we need when we ask. But when we try to go get it alone-without God-trouble is around the corner. Furthermore, when I began to read more scriptures, this what I found: Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven1 is first of all pure; then peace-loving,2 considerate, submissive, full of mercy3 and good fruit, impartial and sincere Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,1 and in the end you will be wise.2 Proverbs 4:6-12 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;1 love her, and she will watch over you.2 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all3 you have,a get understanding.4 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.5 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.6" Listen, my son,7 accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.8 I guide9 you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.10 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.11 After reading these scriptures, I began thinking about the decisions more frequently. I realize that since I overspend, I need to ask God WHERE and WHO my money should go to. And of course, use common sense lol and not buy clothes I can't afford. For those of you who struggle with making wise decisions, God is never too far away. He continually shows me parts of myself that needs to be made whole and right. Making the right decisions might not feel comfortable, or good in the moment, but the reward is always worth it in the end. Ask God to help you with making better decisions girl! You know you need it! lol #FixItJesus, Kristal 12/22/2015 1 Comment My First Love1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Sometimes I think we as young women forget how much God really loves us. We are competing for his time with so many things that the world has to offer. How many times do we sit with our girlfriends and talk about guys and dating and goo about how we wish we had that someone special? We would rather spend countless hours talking about reality shows, who got engaged or married on Facebook, who had a baby, and what sister so-and-so is wearing at the church. I experienced God's love recently this year and after I started getting involved with the wrong people and the wrong things, I began to feel his love less and less. Until recently, I revealed such an intimate part of my life to my friends (because we all fall short) and you know what they said? They said that they still loved me and that everything was OK. They looked at the broken pieces of my life and said that they were willing to be there every step of the way. Not just throught the good times, but when we argue and fuss eachother out (which we do constantly lol), at the end of the day, their love for me will never change. At this moment, I experienced Jesus' love for me through my best friends. If they can love me the dirty pieces of me, I can't imagine how much God really loves me. He created us. He was and still wants to be our first love if we let Him. With that being said, as women of God, we cannot continue to look for love in the wrong places. And the truth is love looks so good on Facebook. The engagement posts ads the wedding pictures are fantastic, but this is and CANNOT be our ultimate goal in life. It has to be Christ. So to my young sisters who are settling for guys who do not care about their souls, or just looking for love in the wrong places, my friend sent me this text message and it is for you. "I just hope that you notice by now that I really care for you and that you deserve the best of life. You deserve to have someone that will know your VALUE, be LOYAL, and FAITHFUL, and treat you like the QUEEN that you really are." 11/4/2015 1 Comment a second chanceAt first glance, Patrick Robinson might appear to be a little rough around the edges. He has broad shoulders and a body full of tattoos, but he happens to be one of the sweetest guys I have ever met. As we sat outside of his grandmother’s house, in the shade of course, Robinson told me his story. Robinson grew up on the north side of Jacksonville with an older brother and a caring mom who worked hard. At age 17, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. He served most of his sentence at a facility in Trenton, Florida. Now, at age 25, Five months has passed since his release and he has not stopped smiling since. He loves having the freedom to do whatever he pleases. During the day, he goes to class, does 1,000 push-ups, and spends time with his grandmother, Eartha Grissett. Grissett is so grateful to see her grandson in a whole new light. Since Robinson’s release, he has definitely has matured said Grissett. “Patrick has changed. He’s helpful. I just think that he has a bright future ahead of him because he is determined,” said Grissett. According to Robinson, adjusting to a normal life after incarceration is very difficult. Once people discover that he has a record, he is labeled as a criminal for the rest of his life. Therefore, searching for a job can be tough. “It’s hard to find a job. It’s hard to be trusted. You’re criticized and you’re labeled,” said Robinson. However, the Clara White Mission, a local soup kitchen and multi-faceted help center, gave Patrick a second chance at life. The mission provides job-training programs for ex-offenders who find it hard to get back on their feet. According to CEO/President, of the Clara White Mission, Ju’Coby Pittman, Clara White benefits the community by lifting people out of their unfortunate situations. The non-profit organization customizes job-training programs to fit the needs of each individual student. “The Clara Mission today still exists as a safety net for the low-income people, ex-offenders, and the homeless,” said Pittman. Robinson joined the Culinary Arts Program shortly after his release. He developed his love for cooking a few years ago. He believes that he was given a second chance to be a productive member in society. What I found the most interesting was how Robinson is adapting to technological advancements. In his opinion, technology looks a lot better. There is a possibility that Robinson might have lagged behind with, but he says that he is adjusting just fine. “I feel good about it. It’s not too fast for me. I caught up with the speed,” said Robinson. I was also intrigued by Robinson’s tattoos. His favorite tattoo is the one of his mother. After her death from sickle cell disease in 2008, Robinson recreated the Rest In Peace tee shirt from his mother’s funeral on his back. “I got some tattoos when I was younger. But as I aged and got older, I have a life story behind them,” said Robinson. Robinson said that Prison is not a place for people to spend the rest of their lives. If he could give some advice to his seventeen-year-old self, or help prevent someone else from going down the same road, he would say this. “Slow down. Get a hold of yourself, and choose your friends wisely. You know, they say it’s never too late. But I’m a firm believer that it can be too late.” So what’s next for Robinson? Robinson will be graduating soon from the Clara White Mission’s job training program. Shortly after, he will get a job as a cook at a local food company. His long-term goal is to own a food truck that will serve eclectic foods. From soul food to Italian food, he plans to start a family tradition and build an empire. “My grandma put her bunions in everything she cooks. It’ll be exotic,” says Robinson. 10/28/2015 Humans of the University of North Florida |
Kristal AlstonWelcome to my site! Hope you find all of my works exciting and captivating. Just know that they were all made with passion and love! Archives
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