I Think the Stars Miss You With Me.

"... Would I tell you how my eyes haven't been as blue since i last saw you or that, really, the sky hasn't been the right shade either... actually the sun hasn't been bright and the stars lost their twinkle. I think they've missed you with me..." 

Danielle Craig

It's been a little over a week now, and honestly I've tried everything I could do to pretend that what I'm about to type isn't real life. But it is, and here we are, and she is worth writing about.

Sixteen years ago I was in the back seat of a car as we drove up to a Japanese restaurant somewhere near Houston, Tx. My life had already changed in every way and I was anxious to see the new people I was going to be growing up and sharing my life with in my new normal.

And there she was. One years old, beautiful brown hair, and captivating brown eyes. I knew she would be my favorite. That she would help heal my heart after the loss of my momma. Man, was I right.

It took her about three days to warm up to me. She wasn't sure about this new little girl living in her home but one day she decided I was in, I was okay... and she never left me alone again. Ha!

Her favorite thing was to follow me around the house and say "Inna hold you, Inna hold you!" Really she just wanted ME to hold her. So, my little eight year old self would tote her around from room to room. She was my baby-doll. Spoiled rotten, but definitely my favorite.

We grew up together, she and I. As time went on she started sleeping in my bed, taking over my TV, and never letting me have a moment to myself. Good grief could that child crawl under my skin, but goodness was she funny. She hated homework and typically it was my job to help her, she always wanted me to do it for her and when I wouldn't she would say she wasn't my friend anymore. That lasted up until I was heading to my room and she wanted to come watch Disney Channel or George of the Jungle (I will never know why she insisted on watching that movie on repeat). When it was bath or shower time she would make her way to my shower and hop right in- I had no say so apparently. She was cute, and if she wanted to be around you- buddy there was nothing you could do about it. Most nights she would sleep with me and never wanted to actually fall asleep. As weird as this is she would sometimes start digging in my belly button and when I would say ouch she would get real close to my ear and whisper "It's ackay, it's ackay, it's ackay." (it's okay). And then she would just laugh like it was the most hilarious thing ever.

As we got older and I moved out she was still the thing that I held most precious. I used to always tell her that whatever I had or wherever I was she always had full access to my life. If I could offer it then it was hers. She meant so much to me... I think she knew it.

As she got into her teen years she would talk to me about boys, culinary school, and looking forward to driving and graduating. She was what others would call a normal teenage girl. But not to those of us who were closest to her. She was beautiful and radiated a light so bright that it would captivate you. And if she loved you she loved you hard, she was loyal, and you couldn't shake her.

I don't know a pretty way to talk about how last Monday, September 29, 2014 the world, and my heart, lost one of the most magical lights it's ever known. My loudest hearts cry is that it's a dream or there could be a hidden rewind button on life. My head doesn't want to believe that Moriah Carrie Christy, that beautiful brown eyed beauty isn't going to be calling me when I'm on my way to Tallahassee because she is anxious for our arrival. Or isn't going to argue with me or laugh with me or be there for anymore big life events.

I miss her so much. Her whole family does. But I've learned something since the call that caused us to rush to the hospital to say goodbye to that babygirl...

Life is short, and not worth the effort it takes to hold offenses or drama. If you love someone let them know. Let the realization that you never know when your goodbye is going to come be the thing that causes you to say "Enough is enough." Let it cause you to let go of hurts and embrace the ones around you that you love. Move forward, never looking back.

Moriah said it beautifully, "Family is everything."

I'm thankful for her heart and the innocence that she had. She changed my whole life. I can't imagine ever not missing her but I'm confident I'll see her again.

Until then, I'm going to love hard. Let go of the junk, and embrace the beauty that came from a life that called out for love- whatever it cost.

If you didn't know Moriah, I'm sorry to hear. But her story isn't over and her life will still impact the world. Because those of us who held her close won't let her light go.

So, here's to a beautiful life. Moriah Carrie Christy, you were everything my heart needed. I'll love you always. See you soon.

I'm Tired of Changing the Channel

I'm guilty of it. You're guilty of it. We are all guilty of it.

What is it??

We are sitting on our couch watching a show and then it goes off. Maybe a commercial interrupts it, maybe a news broadcast interrupts it (during football season in my house growing up that could set off World War III... SO scary), or maybe it's just time for another show to air...

No matter what the interruption is panic ensues until we can find that daggum remote!

And oh the joy, NAY!! The utter euphoria that comes from flipping that station to something that better satisfies our entertainment pleasure.

The IT we are guilty of is changing the channel.

Obviously switching stations isn't a problem. We all pay our own cable bill (or Netflix for those of us on a budget) so why does it matter what I watch or when I decide I want to watch something else?

I have a theory. It is really changing the way I view my remote and more than that it has shown me that my remote has become a god- one that I rely on to make me feel better and live altered from reality.

Two weeks ago I began seeing a news article begin circulating on my newsfeed. It started with one post by one friend and then within three days I couldn't scroll very far down my newsfeed without seeing this article (or one related to it) every few inches. 

I SAW it- title and all. And you know what I did. I ignored it. 

I just kept scrolling. I even had the nerve to click on some useless link to look at "Epic Fails-Tattoo Addtion"

Do you know what the article was that I ignored? I'm SO ashamed to admit it. The title was:

"Leader: ISIS is 'Systematically Beheading Children' in 'Christian Genocide'"

Yea.

Right now one of two things is happening in your mind. One you are glaring at me and angry that a minister would be so inhumane as to not be informed of what is happening with her Christian brothers and sisters OR, two you are realizing you are in the same position as me.

I changed the channel to appease my entertainment. I didn't want to be sad. And if I didn't know I am not responsible.

The word that was screaming at me every time I ignored the link to that article was WRONG!! You ARE accountable.

I read that article. I've seen pictures (not that I searched but they are circulating as well).

If I'm my brothers keeper, as the Bible says, I'm responsible to do something.

I don't know what to do but pray. And even in that I'm not sure how to pray. 

But I know that this story matters. My family is being murdered. Little ones are dying.

I've watched just in the past month so much drama on Facebook alone. I've watched kids attack kids, adults attack kids, adults attacking adults. I've even seen it happen and these people try to put God in their corner. I've been guilty of doing the same.

I can't be quiet anymore, though. We are selfish- defending ourselves by hurting others to prove we are right and they are wrong.

All the while people are dying for serving the same Jesus that we take too lightly- the guy we use as our personal boxing gloves.

Maybe right now the best thing we can do is pray. But the second best thing we could do is stop our foolishness and our silly drama and realize the bigger picture- it's not about ME! Maybe the church can help by rising up and realize that God wasn't created for us but we were created for Him!

We have to stop changing the channel to something that makes us feel/look/sound better. We have to put our stations on Jesus and crush our remotes. 

Together we can unite and pray for those being persecuted and serve Jesus in a way that doesn't make their deaths in vain.

I'm still at a loss for a better way to help those who are in desperate need. But until God sends something my way to do I'm just going to shout His goodness and realize I'm nothing and He is everything. That's what my family is dying for. That's what I'm going to live for.

(I pray after reading this if you aren't keeping up with what is happening in N. Iraq that you will become informed. Prayers are needed and the more we know the more effective we can be as far as intercession. If you would like some resources as to where you can read up on what's happening feel free to email me and I will send you what I have.) 

Who Does that?!

Luke 5:10-11
10-11 Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.

I've been thinking about this story a lot. Especially the past 3 weeks. 

Simon (who eventually was given the new name Peter) was going on about his business. He was waking up, getting dressed, meeting up with friends, and walking to work. Everyday he got on that boat and caught some fish. He was doing what so many of us do. He was doing what I was taught and accustomed to do.

And then one day...

Peter, minding his own business, met this guy who told him some crazy things. He told him some FOOLISH things.

"Simon," He said (in the Danielle translation), "Quit your job. Quit doing everything that makes sense to you. I've purposed something greater for you. You are meant to change the world. I know it doesn't make sense... But I don't think like you. I am not limited like you. I've GOT you."

The craziest thing about that story isn't really what Jesus said. I mean we have foreshadowing so we already knew who Jesus was in the story. Jesus is known for wacky stuff- Let's be real... the guy turned water to wine, told dead people to wake up, forgave a prostitute, and walked on water... and that's just the minor things. Dude was different.

To me the most insane thing was that Peter DID it. He dropped his nets. He abandoned all reason. He quit his day job to follow some guy he didn't even know. He didn't know that Jesus was the Messiah. He had never met Him before. 

Here's the thing... Jesus spoke to the inner cry of Peter and His only response to was to follow. Drop everything- give up the life he had always known for something that he had never seen. 

Who does that?!

How awesome is God though! Peter never went without. God sent people to provide for them- whatever they needed- just so that Jesus and the disciples could fulfill their purpose. 
At the end of Peters story was just the beginning... He changed the world, voiced the foundation of what the Church is built on. We still look to his life for how we should live. 

All because Peter dropped his nets. All because he quit his job- to follow Jesus.

I've had some crazy up's and downs these past few weeks. People voicing opinions that were hurtful, people promising one thing and doing another, and wondering how God was going to do what He assured me He would do.

BUT now it's MORNING. Joy is mine. God's faithfulness isn't determined by other's opinions of my obedience. His faithfulness isn't determined by other people's follow through. His faithfulness isn't even shifted by me. 

I don't know what God has called you to do. I don't know what nets you are supposed to put down, what thing you are supposed to let go of, and where your feet are supposed to take you. But here is what I do know...

"There is NOTHING to fear!"

That's what Jesus said. 

You can believe it.

July Has Been a Whirlwind!

Holy. Moly!

This month has been crazy! In the most spectacular way possible! 

If you haven't heard yet about all of the new things going on for the Craig's... you just wait! You may be just as blown away as we are at how The Lord has really moved in our lives since the last post. 

As you know God called me to quit my job. I had no idea what I was going to be doing but my husband and I decided to be obedient to His voice and I sent my resignation letter and went for the next week to be a camp counselor for a church camp that I went to 10 years ago.

Basically, all I can say is quitting my job was the best thing I could have ever done. Because God had some very amazing things lined up for us and we would have MISSED them had we not been obedient!

There are 3 key things that He dropped in our lap that week. I'll try to keep this short and sweet...

1. Youth Pastors. We have been Youth Pastors at our church for a while now and while at camp Cyler and I were asked to be the Youth Pastors for the Sonshine Network Conference. Basically that means we will be responsible for doing training's for Youth Pastors for over 150+ churches within the conference, helping get them get connected and build relationships with other youth pastors around them, and help with planning youth events for the conference. It includes a lot of travel so we will be home a lot less but we are SO excited for the opportunity! We have a heart for this generation and we are so thankful to be able to work alongside the leaders God has CHOSEN for such a time as this!

2. Women. We (with the help of on of the ladies in our community) are in the process of opening a Women's Center here in Macclenny. It's going to specialize in healing and counseling for young girls who have no where else to turn! We are SO excited about how God is moving and leading through this journey. We are praying that doors will be open SOON! But no later than the first of the year. Although, I believe God has placed the desire in our hearts and that He has already made provision... we are just waiting to see it!

3. Children. As you may know, from a previous post, Cyler and I have been wanting a baby for some time now. Although the process has been long and God still has not responded in the way we hoped we have surrendered to the timing of The Father. But, in the process we realize the desire to be parents hasn't gone away. So, after prayerfully talking through some options we are planning to begin the process of becoming Foster Parents at the end of the summer. My heart is overwhelmed at the idea of being the Love of Jesus to little ones that need it most!

Like I said... God has been so faithful. And this month really has been  WHIRLWIND. But we are excited!

But, if I'm being honest... we have some pretty huge needs right now. Financially we are looking around and wondering what we are going to do. We know God has a plan... He brought us here so He is working it out.

With that in mind, we believe that God moves through people. What we are praying for is that people will prayerfully consider is partnering with our ministry through prayer as intercessors and financially as sponsors. 

I know God has already worked out our provision and we don't have to worry. We are standing on faith and waiting to see Him move!

If you would like some more detail about what is going on (and to see a very spiffy Newsletter) email me at danielle.n.craig@gmail.com and I would be glad to send everything your way. 

And in the process we are also that people will agree to pray for some things above just our monthly budget to come in...

Some practical needs we have:

-A second vehicle. With beginning the process of Fostering we want to make sure I have a way to take the little one (or little ones) around during the day. And so I can get to appointments for the other ministries we are a part of while Cyler waits for his release from the corporate world.

-A printer with option to print in color. We will be sending out Newsletters to our sponsors (both prayer and financial) and it is so much easier (and cost effective) to just print everything off at home.

-Goods and Services. If you are unable to sponsor financially but want a way to give donated items are a great idea! These items can either be used or sold to bring in a little extra cash flow. Rental properties are also an option (or real estate). Services you may be able to provide are also a great way to help. Obviously we will still need to get haircuts, or we will need our lawn cut, etc... 


We are so excited about what God is doing in our lives. We believe we are positioned to be blown away by His goodness and are in a prime spot to see that His provision for us is better than our provision for us!

Thank you for being such an encouragement to us in the process! 

Again... if you have any questions or words of encouragent please feel free to email me at danielle.n.craig@gmail.com !

When One Day is Today

Right now, this very moment, I am staring at an empty desk. I have clothes drying in the dryer and I am in the process of packing. My heart is racing and my mind is following the same pattern.

Why? Because new things are sometimes too big for me. 

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I began a journey 10 years ago this week that I knew ultimately would change my life... One day.

Around the time I was 14 going on 15 I went to my first year of summer camp. That week changed me. I heard Gods call on my life for myself and there was no way anyone could take away the encounters I had with Him that week.

I came home and of course real life set in. The super high I was on slowly dwindled but the fire that started in my heart burnt so strong. I wanted what God wanted and even on days that felt mediocre, at best, I knew God had great plans for me.

I went through high school, graduated, and began my adult hood in a not so structured or traditional way. I bounced from home to home for various circumstances (that we can discuss later) and during this time in my life God actively pursued my heart while demonstrating His love for me. I never went a day without food, a night without a roof over my head, and I always had people in my corner.

God was real.... He wasn't easy but He was real. And I needed to see that... Because of today.

Today for the first time in 4 years I don't have a job. I didn't get fired. I even had a pretty good job. Brought in decent money, had an easy going supervisor, a team lead who has become like family... But I quit.

Why? Because God told me 10 years ago that I had a call. And this weekend He said it was time.

Time for what? Well... Something. Maybe it's time for faith to arise in my heart again. To re-open the places in my heart that only seem active when it's necessary to rely on God for our needs and not on myself and what I can do on my own.

For over 2 years I found comfort and, if I'm being honest, pride in my job and our financial situation as a family. I didn't realize that... But God did. And He loves me too much to let me start thinking that money is stability. 

He is, and really only ever has been, my stability. 

We face some really real needs right now. We are confused, nervous, seeing lack, and wondering what the flip is going on.

But we are feeling all of those things and being obedient.

God is so cool though. Because that camp I mentioned that I went to 10 years ago this week, I'm packing to go as a camp counselor. I leave in 2 hours. My prayer is that God will move on the hearts of these teens and that I can minister faithfully and that my experience 10 years ago will pale in comparison to what God does this week in the hearts of the girls I will be ministering to, and the others who are attending.

God works in big circles and funny ways. I forgot life could feel so adventurous.

I'm ready to see how God is going to work everything out. But my heart is pumped and my spirit full of faith.

Today I'm living in my One Day. 

Whoa.

That's all I got...Just...

Whoa.